A simple 'Thank You' - appreciation of good work, especially in a personal note, is sometimes the most sincere reward
Treat your employees with respect. Giving them a 'cute' reward might go over well in one business, but in another be seen as demeaning
A program for rewarding employees who do volunteer work outside of the company
Staff meetings anywhere but the office, possibly a nice diner or cafe
Set up a secret pal for the holidays or any employee special days
Make a 'Thanks for your help' box. Have employees put the name of a fellow employee who went beyond the call to help them. Draw a name monthly for a reward
Start a birthday program. Have a gift delivered to each employee the week of their birthday
Have employee 'field trips' at least once a year. Rent out a skating rink, bowling alley, or reserve tables at a great restaurant
Reward perfect attendance with time off certificates
Praise a job well done
Give company swag - hats, shirts, jackets with the company name or logo. Don't give pens, notepads and mugs with the company name, those are better for your clients
One-on-one meetings if an employee seems unhappy
Employment anniversary cards - paper or electronic greeting card
Event tickets when a goal is reached, let the group with the goal choose the event
Casual lunch with staff to gauge how things are going within their unit
Setting Goals The first rule to setting a goal for your employees is make it obtainable. Setting a series of smaller goals to reach a higher goal will sometimes be best. Remember, raising the mark too quickly or in too large steps will only discourage your employees. Let your employees get a bit comfortable on every level they reach, and work with them to decide if a new goal is simply too high. There is sometimes a limit beyond which employees, production, and the company suffer. Keep in mind, setting the wrong goal can backfire. Rewarding the person with the most sales may pit the sales staff against each other, while rewarding the sales staff for customer service and working with each other may make the group, as a whole, more productive. A positive, enjoyable work atmosphere can be the best motivation.