Recognition & Rewards

The case against perfect-attendance awards

07/25/2025

With absenteeism a major drain on productivity, more employers are using a trick from the third grade—perfect-attendance awards—to motivate employees to come to work. Here’s why such awards probably aren’t the best carrots.

How to build a culture of employee appreciation

03/19/2025

A recent Gallup survey shared a compelling insight: Employees who receive regular recognition are more likely to stay with their current employer compared to those who do not. How can employers effectively show appreciation for their team members throughout the year? The answer lies in creating an organizational culture that celebrates the contributions of its employees.

Finding the right way to say ‘thank you’ to employees

02/12/2025

With Employee Appreciation Day approaching on March 7, now is the perfect time to plan meaningful ways to recognize your team’s hard work.

Research: 98% of employers pay bonuses

02/10/2025

WorldatWork found that 98% of organizations now use some form of bonus program, a significant rise from 93% in 2021.

10 low-cost communication tips to start open enrollment right

09/23/2024

With benefits election open-enrollment season looming at organizations across the country, make sure you avoid the mistake too many employers make: plopping a benefits booklet in front of employees and telling them to figure it out. That just doesn’t work anymore. Benefits have become too complex for employees to figure them out on their own. Here are 10 ways you can do a better job of communicating with your employees.

The new overtime rule: Factor bonuses into exempt salaries

05/13/2024

Employers can satisfy up to 10% of the new white-collar salary threshold by paying nondiscretionary bonuses, incentives and commissions.

I want an Oompa-Loompa now! Workplace version

12/11/2023

Twenty-seven percent of employees recently polled by gift-card purveyor Blackhawk Network said they would consider leaving their jobs if they didn’t receive a holiday gift this year.

Employer survey: 4% pay raises projected in 2024

12/08/2023

Though down from the actual average increase of 4.4% in 2023, wage projections remain well above the recent trendline. Since 2014, salary budgets have grown an average of 3% per year.

These 8 great holiday perks can reduce employee stress

11/27/2023

You can help ease employee stress this holiday season by adding a few low-cost timesavers to your holiday bonus package. Small holiday kindnesses on the part of the company can pay off in a big way for the organization all year. Here are a few ways your organization can help holiday-harried employees stay productive at work.

Year-end bonuses: 4 ways to decide who should receive how much

11/22/2023

Bonuses are a great way to show appreciation. They’re also a wonderful retention tactic. So, who gets what? You have four choices.