Building A Rewards System

As someone who is working in a service related field, who has their finger on the pulse of many of my co-workers and their needs as individuals, the first thing I am clear on is that we all have different motivational factors. We all have different things that would make us not only work harder but make us more at ease with our job. The easiest answer would be higher pay. We all need money. We all have families. The bottom line in this world is making the bills and providing a more comfortable life for those we love. However, in the social and health services field, money sometimes isn't enough to make us feel better about our job.

It is important to keep employee morale up and for them to feel rewarded for the job they do. "Creating a recognition/reward program is important for any type of business. By implementing effective reward and recognition programs, companies can create a positive environment that motivates and encourages workers to thrive, while improving employee turnover rates. By creating a positive work environment also encourages the number one goal of your business, customer satisfaction" (Leach, 2000). A healthcare facility or social service center works just like any business environment. Instead of customers, we have patients, which is why this applies to everyone.

How can we motivate people?

"Involving people is also a motivational keyÐ'...Using each person's unique talent is a suggested tool for motivation. Each employee has a unique skill. Don't overlook those skills to help develop the person, and add to your organization. Match the skill to the required jobÐ'...Consider ways to acknowledge people for creativity, increasing profits, providing outstanding service, and so on. Some examples on how to do that include time off, meal gift certificates, trips, etc. Make sure the reward is tied to either quantitative or qualitative performance". (Leach, 2000)

My reward system design includes educational reimbursement and advancement in education, bonuses, and vacation time. Bonuses are a positive way to reinforce performance. "Bonus programs have been used in American business for some time. They usually reward individual accomplishment and are frequently used in sales organizations to encourage salespersons to generate additional business or higher profits. They can also be used, however, to recognize group accomplishments" (STUFbangkok, 2007). The first I will discuss is Bonuses. This would be provided three times a year, every four months. The first would be a holiday pay given before the Easter Holiday. The second bonus would be four months later at the end of the summer. The third would be given for the Christmas holiday. They would go through a four month review before actually being given the bonus. During the review they performance goals would be analyzed. Their schedule adherence and overall reliability would be examined, as well as how they respond to the work environment and teamwork. This would also determine how much of a bonus they would receive.

Many people want to advance in their career and make more money. The only way to do that is through education. I find it's a great motivational factor for people, especially when you can get it through the company you work for. Many healthcare facilities provide either tuition reimbursement or programs within the establishment that will train their employees. When you feel you are growing within your craft you expect more from yourself and feel like you are affecting your environment in a positive way. "Let your employees know of opportunities and areas of growth within your company. Set career paths and promote employees to higher levels by adopting a well laid out HR strategy. This will give them the assurance that they have a stable future within the organization" (AYKYA, 2007).

There is also a very good feeling that comes over a person when they see people