As effective strategies to recognize employees, they are often overlooked in lieu of formal reward programs, such as the University's lump sum or base pay merit increase programs. In fact, when asked, employees often have heightened morale and are more motivated by consistent appreciation and recognition than simply by money.
Informal rewards focus on spontaneous, sincere and personal appreciation of employee efforts.
These types of rewards successfully recognize employees, while generally requiring very little or no funding to implement and maintain. Informal rewards, when delivered correctly and consistently, improve both performance and morale. If an employee's performance meets or exceeds your expectations, then reward the employee. Give the reward as soon as possible after the performance has occurred. The reward should keep changing to retain its effect.