8 employee rewards won't cost you a dime

Rewards do not always have to be material in nature, nor do they necessarily have to cost money. Here are eight tips on how to reward employees - free but valuable.

This is not about waking up the boss's savvy. In the case of outstanding performance, a bonus or a small gift is certainly appropriate. But beyond that, there are many ways to show one's appreciation that go beyond the material. Here are eight of them:

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1. Flexibility

free time management from home office

Flexibility is a great way to reward a team. (Photo: Shutterstock * )

A good reward for a team or a department are more flexible working hours and home office days.  For example, the introduction of flextime is a good idea. This is especially beneficial for people with children. Various studies have also shown that many employees would like to be able to telework. As part of a reward, you could set a number of home office days that employees can take.

2. Bonus days

A great reward that is really easy to implement is free bonus days. Has an employee been extremely committed to a project or has grown far beyond the limits of their specifications? Then maybe a free bonus day would be a way to reward him. In addition, of course, to the compensation he is entitled to for overtime. And it also creates a win-win situation. After a long weekend, the employee is fit and productive again.

3. Say thank you / praise it

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Not a matter of course, but balm for the soul: thank you. (Image: © Kathrin39 - Fotolia.com)

It goes without saying, some might think. But it is not in many companies. It doesn't have to be malicious, it often just goes under in day-to-day business. Regular praise is also a great motivational aid. It's not about praising every move. But if you take a closer look, you will notice enough.

So that this doesn't get lost in everyday life, Hyler Bracey, Chairman and CEO of the Atlanta Consulting Group, has developed a little trick . He puts five coins in the pocket of his suit jacket every day. Whenever he praises an employee for his good work during the day, he puts a coin in the other pocket - all coins have to change pockets every day. Of course, this also works with three or just one coin in smaller companies.

4. A card to the family

In stressful times, overtime often occurs - even if this is paid, it means a time full of privation for the partner or family. It is therefore a nice gesture to send a card home after such a time or a long project in which you have demanded a lot from the employee and his family, in which you thank you for the efforts and praise the employee for their commitment .

5. Public praise

employee rewards 1

A colleague's approval is worth at least as much as the boss's. (Photo: Shutterstock * )

The colleagues do not always notice how much or what the other colleagues in the company are lifting. A praise in front of the whole team can therefore feel pretty good. "I can live two months on a good compliment," wrote Mark Twain. Team meetings, the social intranet or even an email that is also sent to colleagues are suitable for such a highlight.

6. Hall of Fame

There are numerous approaches to instilling a feeling of reward through gamification. A hall of fame in a meeting room or the entrance area is ideal for this. Those who perform well can land here with a photo and their own title tailored to the occasion.

7. Extra long lunch break

For a little reward in between: Send an employee or team spontaneously to a long, relaxed lunch break. There are sure to be quiet days when that is possible and it is a nice surprise.

8. Internship for one day

Let your employees try out another department for a day if they are interested and accept that they will do without their work that day. This may not be the right reward for every employee, but there are certainly some who are interested.