Unusual Gifts Boost Morale.There's nothing wrong with tried-and-true holiday rewards, such as gift certificates, fruit baskets, or luncheons. But with a little creativity, managers can give their staff more meaningful rewards that will boost morale and motivation as well as lighten light·en 1 v. light·ened, light·en·ing, light·ens v.tr. 1. a. To make light or lighter; illuminate or brighten. b. To make (a color) lighter. 2. spirits during this hectic hec·tic adj. 1. Characterized by intense activity, confusion, or haste: "There was nothing feverish or hectic about his vigor" Erik Erikson. 2. time of year. So contends Alex Hiam, management consultant and author of Streetwise street·wise adj. Having the shrewd awareness, experience, and resourcefulness needed for survival in a difficult, often dangerous urban environment. Motivating & Rewarding Employees: New and Better Ways to Inspire Your People (1999, Adams Media Corporation). Note: If you've already gone the traditional route, you may want to keep his suggestions in mind for next year's holiday season. Hiam can be reached via e-mail at hiam@javanet.com. * Give employees a day off to do charitable work. They will feel better about themselves and the community, and will get into the holiday spirit. * Give the gift of understanding by doing an employee's work for an hour. In addition to being a nice gesture; this gift will enhance understanding of the jobs performed by those you supervise. * Give gifts from the heart. Write a letter to an employee's family telling them about a recent accomplishment or throw a party for employees' children. * Give the gift of time. Free time around the holidays is a valued commodity. Allow employees to leave early or arrange for flextime flextime, system of assigning hours for work that permits employees to choose, within specified limits, the hours that they will be at their place of employment. In many companies, there is a "core time" when all employees must be present each workday. even if this is a busy season for your organization. * Give the spirit of the season by creating an uplifting work environment during a time of year when sunlight levels are low. Bring in seasonal decorations or fresh flowers to keep the office cheery cheer·y adj. cheer·i·er, cheer·i·est Showing or suggesting good spirits; cheerful: a cheery hello. cheer . * Give the gift of stress reduction by providing a free day at the local spa or arranging for a massage massage (məsäzh`), treatment of superficial parts of the body by systematic rubbing, stroking, kneading, or slapping. Massages can be administered manually or with mechanical devices. therapist to visit your office. * Give the gift of recognition by buying employees a star from the International Star Registry (www.corporatestar.com). Hold a holiday dinner and then visit a local observatory observatory, scientific facility especially equipped to detect and record naturally occurring scientific phenomena. Although geological and meteorological observatories exist, the term is generally applied to astronomical observatories. to help employees find their star. |
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