The new clients that I have are always concerned, as they should be, about how to reward employees-online, paper-based or both? This question can be answered several different ways. Deciding on a program method is one of the first questions that a company should answer when setting up the program. Although each type has its benefits, there are certain drawbacks as well which leads me to advise most companies with a diversified workforce to use a hybrid of both.
Online incentive programs will generally allow a recipient to log in using a unique username and password. Participants can look up what behaviors will earn points and access information about the reward program details. Users are then able to browse the online catalog and place their order(s). Online reward programs are generally updated frequently and allow administrative personnel to access reports, track the redemptions that have taken place and retrieve other key program statistics. Orders are generally processed faster when they are submitted online.
In addition to these benefits, online programs can integrate other features into the website such as monthly quizzes, surveys, online award nominations for peer-to-peer or 360 degree evaluations…really the content is endless. Online incentive programs can really get participants involved and interested in the program, keeping it relevant and helping the company to achieve its goals. Email communications can be used to inform a recipient that they have reached a program goal or provide log in information for new users. All together, online reward programs can be designed with varying degrees of customization and personalization because of the open content format that is utilized.
One negative, depending on the demographic, is that online incentive programs may not appeal to people who are not comfortable using computers or do not have access to computers outside of work. For companies in this environment, paper-based programs may need to be considered in addition to or instead of online incentive programs.
Paper-based programs will generally involve some sort of presentation material that contains the ordering information for recipients. Sometimes paper point certificates are distributed to participants when a desired behavior is observed, such as the completion of 100 consecutive work hours without an accident. These packages tend to be distributed by the company at the workplace or can be used at special meetings, ceremonies, etc. Redemptions are filled out by the recipient and then mailed in, which is generally a slower process then online redemption. Program communication may be achieved by using paper statements that detail account information for incentive or safety programs. Paper-based programs will generally cost more than online incentive programs, but the personalized touch for participants will provide a more memorable experience for participants.
By combining the two types of programs, companies can appeal to the needs of all participants. For example, a company can set up an incentive program so that participants are notified via their company email address as they are awarded points. In addition, once a quarter statements are distributed at work detailing each participant’s login information, points balance and ordering information. By using a combination of paper-based statements and the incentive program website, participants may log in and view the program information online before placing an order or they may wait until the next statements are mailed out and then mail in the redemption form.
When an effective employee award program is designed, it will help to improve performance. A study conducted by the International Society of Performance Improvement, called, "Incentives, Motivation and Workplace Performance: Research & Best Practices," found that effectively designed and properly implemented incentive programs increase performance by an average of 22 percent. Team incentives can increase performance by as much as 44 percent. If the incentive or safety program is set up to ensure the involvement of all participants, the benefits will be apparent.
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