The reason for putting this little post up is that I saw an article headlined: “This year’s 10 most popular non-cash rewards” on the HRMorning site. That kind of thing always gets my attention.
The list of most popular awards was:
- Subsidized training/education (29%)
- Flexible work hours/telecommuting (24%)
- Mentoring programs (24%)
- Matching gift programs (13%)
- Free or subsidized lunches or snacks (11%)
- On-site perks — like childcare, dry cleaning, fitness center, cafeteria (11%)
- Subsidized transportation (10%)
- Subsidized gym memberships (9%)
- Sabbaticals (8%)
- Housing or relocation assistance (7%)
The article then linked out to a survey conducted by Accountemps entitled: “Accountemps Survey: Employers Offering Training, Flexible Work Schedules and Mentoring to Attract and Retain Staff.”
From the headline on the HRMorning and Accountemps articles you’d think that these are the awards that employees want and are clamoring for right? Not so. Read the fine print on the survey. The list is derived from the opinions of CFOs (1,400 of them.) These are awards that are popular with CFOs – not employees.
These aren’t necessarily what your employees want – it’s what your CFO IS WILLING TO ALLOW.
Big, big difference.
It’s always good to know the difference between what is popular and what is important. Popular isn’t what is right or best. It’s simply what is currently more, what’s the word for it? Oh, popular.
Popular isn’t always effective. Popular may not ring the cash register (unless you’re an advertiser on Jersey Shore – but that’s a parallel universe problem me thinks.) Before you go an implement these award options figure out what/who your employees are and what they find interesting and important.
Don’t get me wrong. I like a lot of what’s listed above – but I’d make the case that these elements are what good companies do as a matter of course for their employees – these “awards” are (or should be) part of the basic employment contract – not really awards.
Do what is right for your employees – not what is right for 1,400 strangers with a different agenda. This advice also applies to incentive companies, reward companies, gift card companies - they too can tell you what is the most popular award (hint: it will always be something they make money on - just sayin'.)
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