Find creative ways to show your appreciation and you will increase the odds of keeping outstanding performers. More freedom and flexibility, frequent encouragement, words of praise, small mementos and awards are just some ways to express your gratitude for an employee's hard work. Job qualities, such as challenging and meaningful work, along with growth opportunities, are examples of things that matter most to today's workers. When these are missing, talented, high-performers may leave. Consider ways to create more of these types of intrinsic rewards.
Many managers wrongly assume that everyone likes or wants the same types of rewards and recognition.
Rewards need to match your employee's needs and wants. Ask your employees which forms of recognition they most appreciate. Do your part to provide for your own sense of reward and satisfaction. The annual review is a perfectly good time to discuss the kind of support and recognition you need. If your supervisor doesn't ask, bring up the topic yourself.