Workers Have Vastly Different Reward Needs

Posted on February 8, 2006

SHRM Online reports on the findings of a study that show workers have vastly different needs when it comes to rewards and recognition. The findings show that rewarding employees can be complicated. One example is that what is considered enjoyable by one worker may be embarrassing for another.

"For some, being honored in front of one's peers is a great award. For others, the thought of being put on display in front of their peers embarrasses them," he said in a press release. "It depends on the culture and preference of your particular employee base."

Here are some of the findings from the survey.

• 70 percent receive verbal praise, but only 49 percent want it. Then there's the 21 percent of workers who want verbal praise but aren't hearing it.
• 40 percent who want written praise receive it.
• 30 percent who want to be singled out through a special event are recognized that way.
• 29 percent who want a cash bonus as recognition for their work receive it.
• 27 percent who want incentives such as award merchandise, gift cards or trips receive them.
• 27 percent who want an award such as a trophy or plaque receive it.

The article says that the widely varying employee needs means that managers need to understood workers better to figure out what they want. Employees also need to try and indicate their wants and needs to employers. The article said only 10% are completely happy with their company's reward program so clearly there is a great deal of miscommunication going on. The 10% could also mean that employees have been unhappy with bonuses or the rate of salary increase because of the overall slow economy.

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