In a day and age where GPs are running on shoe string budgets, the traditional way of rewarding employees through pay rises, bonuses and other monetary benefits is becoming less plausible. This brings to light the ability and the power of being able to reward staff through cost-effective methods and thus appreciate their commitment and performance.
Here are 5 great ideas to reward staff, despite budgetary constraints:
- Power of words: Don’t underestimate the power of the spoken word. Especially when it’s a sincere ‘Thank You’ that comes from the Top Management, this acts as an amazing tool in not only rewarding employees but also motivating them to keep-at-it!
- Cherry-pick the top of the pick: Remember the last time you walked into a supermarket and saw the face of the best performing employee plastered all over the store? Well, if it works for supermarket employees in keeping their morale up, why not for GP employees! This is your opportunity to let your patients also know which of your employees are capable of providing an exceptional healthcare service.
- More training, more opportunities: This is the window for Managers to kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Offer rewards by way of providing training opportunities, which enables the Practice to use the said training for the benefit of the GP. It is also a creative way of rewarding an entire team perhaps by doing the training during a weekend away.
- Out of the box: Simple R&R evenings are great tools for celebrating the achievements of an individual or a team. Take an hour or two after work to enjoy a drink and dinner by dedicating the evening to the person/s whose performance is worthy of being applauded.
- Time off! Underestimated as one of THE most impactful rewarding mechanisms, is giving some paid time off to spend with family, friends or just about doing anything other than come to work!
