The local SHRM chapter was nice enough recently to invite me to keynote at their annual professional development program. My topic was “How to Give Them What They Want (Without Breaking the Bank)”.
I don’t think that non-cash rewards are very useful unless you first operate a work environment that otherwise makes you proud. Apparently I was supposed to give a speech about the glory of the non-cash reward. I didn’t but the group and me seemed to have fun and enjoy a pretty lively conversation.
My best example of the issue is flowers. Husbands giving wives flowers is generally, even iconicly, seen as a nice gesture. For the point of this post, let’s call it a “non-cash reward” So, how do you think flowers would play in the situations below:
At this point will even 5 dozen long-stems work?
Yeah, not so much. What about this couple? Could FTD’s greatest bouquet of all time turn the mood at this moment?
OK, you get the idea. My point is that without an underlying good relationship, what might look like a great free tee-shirt; or coffee mug with the new corporate slogan, or even the “Co-Worker of the Month Parking Only” parking spot, can ring hollow. Worst of all, it can be negative because people take it for what it is. An easy fix without any sincerity or thought or link to the business and the employment relationship.
Giving the quick “non-cash reward” in the wrong environment tells your employees that you don’t get the market dynamic for internal labor markets or employee engagement. They know, that you think they are mechancial and you think that you will manipulate them with a pen that has a neon light in it.
Flowers are great; but not when you are at that podium.
In the days to come, my list of Ten Things That Have To Precede Non-Cash Rewards.
4 Comments, Comment or Ping
Really great images to make your point — 5 dozen roses won’t do in some circumstances. It’s authenticity that matters. There’s nothing better than telling someone you were thinking about them when they least expect it.
June 22nd, 2008
Actually Frank, I laugh out loud everytime I look at those pictures and think about these guys handing them flowers.
Great thoguht starter on your part – telling employees we are thinking of them when they are not expecting it.
June 22nd, 2008
Great advice on giving non-cash rewards. I’d liken it to trying to put a roof over a house before the walls are even constructed… It just isn’t going to work out!
I’ve selected your post as one of my ‘Fab Five’ blog picks for the past week which can be found here: http://www.maximizepossibility.com/employee_retention/2008/07/the-rainmaker-2.html
Be well!
Chris Young
July 21st, 2008
It really does depend on one’s situation as to whether or not cash or a non-cash incentive will appeal to them. An employee with three kids and a mortgage might be more willing to take that lump sum of cash, especially if they don’t have the time to use their experience.
I work for an experience company over in Australia. We also work with businesses to provide incentives and reward and recognition programs that they remember. We get receptionists out there on jet boats, GM’s doing rockstar singing contests, the hr people driving v8 race cars, employees going hot air ballooning or scuba diving. The best thing to offer from our opinion is variety.
Check out our website for some ideas http://www.redballoondays.com.au
September 1st, 2008
Reply to “Non-cash rewards – ehhh… not so much.”