3 Big Benefits of Using Unpredictable Rewards and 30 Ways to Motivate Employees
In small businesses, motivating your team is like herding cats.
It's tricky but not impossible. The usual rewards — 'Employee of the Month' and bonus checks – are predictable, and predictability over time is the silent killer of motivation.
As a hard-charging small business CEO, I've got the subtlety of a bulldozer at a tea party when it comes to celebrating successes. Early in my career, I was revved up, ready to plow through to the next goal. My coaches and mentors keep telling me to stop and smell the roses.
But honestly, I wouldn't know a rose from a dandelion.
This brings me to the lesson I've learned — in my own steamroller-esque way.
Celebrating victories isn't just about throwing confetti and high-fiving your reflection. It's about understanding that while I might be as motivated by celebrations as a cat is by a swimming lesson, others might actually find joy in it.
And here's the kicker — you can't just stick to the script with rewards.
Handing out predictable pats on the back is like serving the same sandwich at every meeting — bland and forgettable. You've got to mix it up with some unpredictability and sprinkle in a bit of surprise. Maybe one day it's a heartfelt thank you note; another day it's a mystery box that might just contain a whoopee cushion — because who doesn't love a good, old-fashioned prank?
While I might be more inclined to bulldoze through a celebration like a caffeinated squirrel in a nut factory, I've learned to appreciate the art of pausing, appreciating, and sometimes, just sometimes, enjoying the party – even if I'm secretly planning the next big move.
So, how do we spice up team motivation without turning the office into a circus?
What is an Unpredictable Reward?
In the small business world, where routines can quickly turn into ruts, unpredictable rewards are your secret weapon.
It's one of the best ways to motivate employees. Unpredictable rewards are the zest in your team's daily grind, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary. They are not about lavish gifts or extravagant gestures; they are about the element of surprise and the excitement it brings.
Imagine a Monday morning when your team arrives expecting the usual start to their week, but instead, they find personalized thank-you notes on their desks. Simple yet powerful. Now fast-forward to a random Wednesday when you announce an impromptu team lunch at a popular spot they've been raving about. The charm lies not in the lunch itself but in its unexpectedness.
This method is akin to a game of pleasant surprises, keeping your team perpetually on their toes. It's about breaking the monotony of the regular reward system. One day, it might be public recognition for a job well done in front of peers. Another day could be an early release on a Friday or even a tiny, quirky gift relevant to a team member's interests. The key is to tailor these surprises not just to shock but to show genuine appreciation in unique and memorable ways.
Each unpredictable reward acts like a mini-celebration, an acknowledgment that doesn't just say, "You're valued," but also, "We notice and appreciate the little things you do." It's a way of keeping the work environment dynamic and energizing, ensuring that the day-to-day doesn't just blend into a bland routine.
By integrating this strategy, you turn every day into a potential adventure, a storyline where your team members are keen to discover, "What's the boss up to now?" This approach not only adds an element of fun but also fosters a culture of appreciation and spontaneity, driving motivation and strengthening the team's bond with the company.
The benefits are profound.
Benefit 1: Boosts Engagement and Excitement
When your team doesn't know what's coming, even Monday mornings can feel like a treasure hunt.
This unpredictability generates excitement and a sense of wonder. It's like turning the office into a reality show where everyone is eager to see the next episode.
This constant state of anticipation keeps energy levels high and engagement deep.
Benefit 2: Encourages Continuous Improvement
Unpredictable rewards create a dynamic environment where continuous improvement becomes the norm.
Your team starts pushing boundaries, not just for the rewards but for the sheer excitement of achieving more. It's like adding an extra level to a game — everyone wants to level up, not knowing what the next level holds, but sure, it's going to be exciting.
Benefit 3: Strengthens Team Bonding
Unexpected rewards do more than just motivate; they bring people together.
It's like sharing an inside joke — everyone feels part of something special. These shared experiences, whether it's a laugh over a quirky gift or the collective enjoyment of a surprise outing, build camaraderie and a sense of belonging.
Stronger team bonds mean a stronger, more cohesive business.
How to Use Unpredictable Rewards Effectively
The key is balance.
You don't want to turn your office into a game show, but you don't want the predictability of a scheduled program, either. Mix it up with small gestures, unexpected time-offs, and quirky gifts. Keep the surprises light-hearted and inclusive, ensuring everyone feels valued.
Remember, the goal is to create a positive and motivating work environment, not a competitive one.
30 unpredictable reward ideas to get your brain firing:
Surprise Time-Off: Hand out an unexpected afternoon off.
Coffee Shop Vouchers: Randomly give out vouchers for a local coffee shop.
Book of the Month: Gift a book tailored to an employee's interests.
Mystery Box: Create a box filled with various small gifts; let employees choose one.
Impromptu Team Lunch: Announce a team lunch on the spur of the moment.
Thank You Notes: Personalized thank you notes left on desks.
Desk Plant: Brighten up their workspace with a small plant.
Parking Space Privilege: Offer the best parking spot for a week.
Work From Home Day: Surprise them with an extra work-from-home day.
Professional Development Course: Enrollment in a course or workshop they've shown interest in.
Fitness Class Passes: Offer passes to a local yoga or fitness class.
Extended Lunch Break: An extra-long lunch break out of the blue.
Team Movie Afternoon: Organize a surprise movie screening in the office.
Guest Speaker: Bring in a speaker for an unexpected learning session.
Charity Donation in Their Name: Make a donation to their favorite charity.
Pet Day: Allow employees to bring their pets to work for a day.
Office Games Day: Set up a day for fun, games, and team bonding.
Tech Gadgets: Gift useful gadgets like wireless earbuds or smart notepads.
Dress Down Day: Announce a surprise casual dress day.
Catered Breakfast: Start the day with a surprise breakfast spread.
Personalized Mugs: Custom mugs tailored to each employee's tastes.
Ice Cream Social: Host an impromptu ice cream gathering in the office.
Afternoon Tea Break: Set up a surprise tea/coffee break with snacks.
Concert or Event Tickets: Tickets to a local event, concert, or show.
Team Outing: Organize an unplanned outing to a local attraction or fun activity.
Skill Workshop: A surprise workshop to learn something fun like cooking or painting.
Massage Day: Bring in a masseuse for a day of relaxation.
Recognition in Company Newsletter: Highlight their achievements unexpectedly.
Personalized Office Supplies: Customized stationery or office items.
Hobby Class Vouchers: Vouchers for classes related to their hobbies, like photography or baking.
While I might approach celebrations like a caffeinated squirrel, I've learned the art of pausing and appreciating the moment.
Unpredictable rewards are more than fun; they're a powerful motivation tool (that I can still get better at, too).
