Recognising employee excellence during COVID-19
From small companies to renowned global giants, leaders of their realm, all over the world, will be wondering how to best reward their workforce. Remote working came into full effect during 2020, making it a mutual challenge for businesses to maintain a culture of appreciation. ‘Alas’, COVID-19 changed our way of working, forever1. Though, despite living through lockdowns, the new year welcomes new beginnings. And now, more than ever, it is important to support your workers in meaningful ways.
Supporting a remote workforce with recognition and rewards
Research from Barnett Waddingham revealed that 39% of employees have experienced elevated stress during the pandemic2. Naturally, remote workers have found themselves distracted from time to time and disengaged from their job. It is important to boost team morale and maintain a sense of ‘togetherness’. Encouraging your employees’ productivity with a support plan and showing recognition is the perfect way to roll out new employee benefits. Allocating rewards in reflection of an employee’s individual welfare has a greater impact than generic gifts and gestures, such as discounted membership fees or a free lunch. One in two employees are now less bothered by office-based perks and are particularly keen on physical and mental well-being benefits3. Promoting mental awareness creates a culture of positivity. Whether it be an online meditation course or an early Friday finish, these are the types of rewards that are getting professionals through remote working.
Rewarding employees with experiences for gifts
Let’s rethink the way you reward your employees. Aside from dinner with friends and keeping the kids safe in education, amazing life experiences are what people are most looking forward to. We’re talking big, bold, out-of-the-ordinary adventure. Thank your employees for their dedication during this difficult time with a gift that goes above and beyond. A fresh start is on everyone’s mind right now. That’s why our iconic gift boxes are the perfect way to showcase value and spread happiness. Partnering with Red Letter Days Corporate will revolutionise the way you recognise work milestones. And we will even help you to create and deliver long service award plans with care. With our tailor-made branding options and simplified ordering processes; whatever the distance, reward their achievements with a personalised gift box – the ticket to an enriching experience.
Looking towards your employees’ future
So, how does the post-pandemic work landscape look? Whatever the forthcoming journey has in store, secure a fair future for your workforce and get your rewards and recognition programme right. According to a top employee appreciation expert, employee recognition doesn’t have to cost anything, but leaders need to plan for regular activity to express, with specificity, how their employees performed well4. Aside from acknowledging outstanding achievements, feel confident that you are doing everything you can to ensure your team have their health and well-being cared for during remote working. Offering internal training programmes to support mental well-being across the workforce creates a sense of community and support. Well-advised programmes that meet critical needs for workers and their families remain among the most essential levers to engage and motivate workers5. Whether it’s wellness workshops or yoga lessons over Microsoft Teams, create a big difference in a moment that matters, by showing your workers you are a company that cares.
The ‘new normal’ has instigated a different kind of employee recognition. One that is largely focused on digital delivery, that can reach employees everywhere. It’s time for companies to withdraw from generic, time-consuming or costly processes and engage in more meaningful, efficient ways. That said, why not deliver a future of fun and frivolity directly to their door or inbox? Red Letter Days know how to do it best.
2.Reward & Employee Benefits Association, 2020
3.Glassdoor, 2020
4.Forbes, 2020
5.Deloitte, 2020