It is no secret that employees are the backbone of any organization. They are the ones who carry out the day-to-day tasks and operations that keep the business running. And, in return for their hard work, they are typically compensated with a salary or hourly wage. In the current market environment, it is difficult to hire and retain employees, and many companies prefer to spend big bucks to hire the most qualified people. But money is not the only thing workers need. Non-monetary rewards are equally essential.
While monetary compensation is a good way to reward employees for their efforts, non-monetary rewards can be just as effective, if not more so, in motivating employees and fostering a positive work-life balance.
Financial motivations attract some people to an organizational structure, but sometimes not. The idea behind non-money compensation has been that it can be more beneficial to attract staff and increase their satisfaction over time.
Similarly, firms incorporating non-monetary compensation have improved revenue performance. So let us dive into this blog to understand the benefits of non-monetary incentives.
What are non-monetary rewards?
A non-Monetary incentive is a non-cash benefit given by an employer to employees. It is a type of reward that is given to employees in addition to their salary or an hourly wage.
This could include anything from verbal praise from a manager or supervisor to additional responsibility or flexible working hours. Employees expect companies to offer not only handsome salaries but also employee recognition.
Non-monetary compensation strategies are an outstanding way to boost employee morale and encourage high-performing employees. It is a great way to show your appreciation for your employee’s hard work and can motivate them to continue producing great results.
Benefits of non-monetary rewards for employee
Non-monetary incentives have benefits that cannot be achieved by monetary incentives. Such benefits offer a reward and recognition platform which is good for the emotional well-being of the employees.
Following are some of the benefits of a non-monetary employee incentive:
Increased Productivity
Non-monetary benefits can also improve employee productivity and creativity. For example, flexible work hours can allow employees to better manage their time, which can lead to increased productivity.
Similarly, providing paid vacation days allows employees to take time off to rest and recharge, which can also lead to increased productivity.
Greater Job satisfaction
Non-monetary incentives provide several employee benefits, the greatest of which is that it increases job satisfaction which in turn increases job performance. This consequently has a positive impact on the company’s business.
Higher employee retention
Many employers take some time out to appreciate their employees because a non-monetary reward creates a feeling of satisfaction. When employees feel recognized it helps in reducing the turnover rates.
Non-cash incentives are as important as financial incentives because the employees stay only if the work environment is empowering thereby providing career progression opportunities for career development.
Better Mental Health
An employee wellness program is an extremely crucial aspect of non-cash incentives. Such initiatives make sure that the employees are emotionally healthy and happy.
These may include one on one meetings with the managers who help to inculcate new skills and appreciation so that the employees feel valued.
Types of Non-monetary rewards employees can get
A great non-monetary incentive may include fringe benefits that may be at par with the employee’s personal interests. These may be as simple as creating a company culture where co-workers acknowledge colleagues. It can also be rewarding employees with free meals, longer lunch breaks, or any other tangible gift.
A monetary incentive may be in the following forms:
Experiential reward
For companies with significant budgets dedicated to the recognition, employee rewards can be an attractive alternative. Unlike traditional rewards packages such as cash rewards or gift cards, experiential rewards offer a nonmonetary reward system that increases employee motivation, engagement, and retention.
Personalized digital cards are an amazing way to appreciate not only your employees but also peer recognition. It is a unique form of giving employees experiential rewards since it is a customized experience that stays with them.
Time off as non-monetary reward
Whether your staff like their job, the employees will always appreciate a day off work. Why should employees receive time for their work without money?
Let us say that you have worked hard during the last couple of hours on an important feature. When the project is finished encourage them to spend a day relaxing—whether by relaxing with family or enjoying a spa day.
Public recognition
Public praise can help improve employee satisfaction, motivate employees and maintain employee loyalty. It ensures you’re honored for your accomplishments and valued for the crucial contributions of your employees to your company.
Many workers have worked longer or had more responsibilities, so the need to recognize these efforts has never changed. Therefore, it is essential to establish an employee recognition program hand in hand with financial compensation and cash incentive.
Learn more about social recognition.
Growth or learning opportunities
Training and development of employees can help employees increase productivity and employee engagement. Even greater responsibility may indicate that the employee has the right attitude for the new role. The opportunity to lead a team can demonstrate an employee’s worth.
Therefore, another form of non-monetary incentive is that the employees are provided the freedom to work on their own projects and hence get a chance where an employee earns respect for nailing it.
Personal development
Ensure you use non-monetary incentives to motivate your employees. Give employees an allowance for the pursuit of learning opportunities. It is a good idea to sponsor Career Building Workshops to seek top talent. Bring speakers to discuss management issues and get employees one on one time with them.
It is easy to help employees accomplish personal development goals without just cash bonuses and pay rise. Give them the opportunity to spend time on their personal projects so that they can prosper and excel in their careers.
Words of appreciation
Our words carry weight and influence people’s experiences, particularly regarding work. A simple thank you will increase employee satisfaction about ten times.
The ability of the employer to express praise is an effective way to highlight the individual’s strengths and thereby increase employee retention. Words are therefore important for rewarding employees with a quick acknowledgment.
Learn about feedback culture here.
Flexibility at work
Flexible work is an incentive that has risen since the adoption of Remote Work last year. Remote work perks include shifting mindset to offer employees flexibility compared to traditional hours of work.
This flexibility gives your employees confidence in their ability to do work with minimal micromanaged resources and time.
Many workers prefer working at their convenience rather than having rigid timings. So next time when you are proud of your employees try offering them flexibility rather than a cash bonus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many benefits to providing non-monetary advantages for the staff. They can include anything from public recognition of a job well done, to time off, to privileges such as being able to work from home occasionally.
Non-cash benefits help workers feel appreciated and acknowledged, which can lead to increased productivity and morale in the workplace.
Managers should take care to consider what might make employees happy and be motivating for them when choosing such rewards, as not all workers will respond equally to the same type of incentive.
