Cash, gift cards, gift certificates for recognition, John Schaefer, Employee Recognition Expert

http://www.VocationalShrink.com I am often asked to explain why cash is so ineffective in recognizing employees. The question comes in a variety of ways, for multiple reasons, but always gets down to the same underlying issue They all want it, but it doesnt seem to last and is never enough to get the results I was hoping for . . . what gives?

It actually has to do a lot more with perception than logic. Employees want so much to be genuinely appreciated, that the minute you give them the smallest hint that youre attempting to manipulate them with carrots and sticks, you lose.

Cash and retail premiums can be the kiss of death to long-term performance improvement, if you dont first establish a basis of genuine love and respect.

Money is important to all of us, but its a low level need in Maslows Hierarchy, so by definition, its not motivating. You can give a gift valued at 1% of an employees salary, and if done enthusiastically, theyll feel the love. But, give them a 1% bonus or raise and theyre looking at the classifieds. Same dollars, totally different result . . . its all about perception!

The answer is in training supervisors to understand some straight forward principles, realize that its to their personal benefit to make recognition a powerful management tool (appeal to their natural self interests in a good way!) and communicate more effectively, so their people believe it.

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