Frontline workers, the people continually on the forefront against COVID-19, are still carrying on essential work while the rest of the country encounters the third pandemic scare in as many years. With the unpredictable surge of cases, even more strain and pressure have been placed on key workers across the country and worldwide.
As an employer, you’re likely wondering how you can show your appreciation to the people working directly to protect people and offer vital services. Whether your current rewards program doesn’t make the cut or you want a better way to say ‘thank you’, we’ve got a few ideas you may want to consider for employee incentives that are even more valuable in uncertain times.
How has the pandemic affected frontline workers?
For people across many industries, whether they work in healthcare, retail or hospitality, the surge in cases across Australia and the world has led to even greater pressure. With increased infection rates leading to more people out sick, there’s more strain than ever before with fewer people to cover work. Throughout the pandemic, from the very first days to the current global situation, frontline workers have been carrying out their work tirelessly – and now is the time when we should be giving back.
How can businesses best reward their hard-working employees with so few hours in the day and little opportunity for traditional workplace rewards systems? If you’re keen to make a bigger deal of the effort and work those frontline employees have put in, we’ve covered some of the practical ways you can say thank you. For anyone working during a global pandemic, it’s crucial to pick rewards programs and options that suit your staff’s current requirements and needs. Read on for some of the ways you could say ‘thank you’ in more than words:
Ways to say ‘thank you’
So, how do you say thank you to your workers operating on the frontline? Employers often make the mistake of thinking long-term for their employee incentives, which doesn’t quite match up to the reality of the current pandemic scare. If you want to show your staff how you feel about all the effort they have put in, here are a few ideas to consider:
1. Implement an employee incentive plan
If you don’t already have an incentive plan within your company, now is the best time to start on one. An incentive programme can provide a quick and easy way to reward milestones for employees working hard and allow managers to reward individuals at their discretion via a formal acknowledgement. For example, an employee who has gone above and beyond could receive recognition through an incentive plan that rewards their hard work and gives them something more to work towards in the future.
2. Choose rewards that benefit your employees here and now
Long-term points systems may be suitable for businesses with a slower approach, but every shift and action counts for frontline workers. Picking rewards that can be earned quickly, even if they are smaller than large-scale rewards your ‘build up’ to, can provide instant feedback on how you value their actions in the current pandemic scare. The more accessible the rewards, the better.
3. Offer both functional and rewarding options
A bottle of champagne or chocolates may feel like the perfect way to reward the hard work of your staff, but you may find that employees also value more practical rewards. Many frontline healthcare workers or care home workers may appreciate gift cards or digital rewards that allow them to buy groceries or similar essential products. Takeaway vouchers and cash rewards can also give the gift of time, allowing them to take time off with loved ones without the need to cook after a stressful day.
4. Opt for items and goods over experiences
A hot air balloon ride, bowling experience or boating trip may sound like the ultimate gift, but these kinds of rewards are impractical for frontline workers right here and now. Implementing experiential rewards can be a valuable addition to your programme in the long term. But you may find that many employees cannot redeem or enjoy these kinds of ‘thank yous’ right now due to priorities, restrictions or vigilance for work.
How can rewards help to ensure the retention of frontline workers?
While it can be difficult or impossible to change the working conditions and strain that many frontline workers are under, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to acknowledge and appreciate their time and efforts. Rewards can be an effective tool in showing that you are paying attention to the work they are putting in, providing a way to ‘give back’ to everyone showing up and putting in the effort every day.
As a retention scheme, rewards are valuable in any working environment. For health professionals, the benefit of a staff rewards scheme is a way to provide recognition for work that may otherwise fly under the radar. The introduction of an incentive programme shows your long-term staff that you are thinking of them and acts as a way to attract new potential staff over competitors that don’t offer any form of reward.
Which is the best type of reward program to show you care?
We covered some of the best ways to thank frontline workers above, but it’s worth looking at what is suitable for today’s climate. It is significant that you prioritise providing relevant, helpful, and rewarding gifts that work for a wide range of employees. Digital gift cards or physical gift cards are the ideal solutions, offering your employees the opportunity to pick their prize without the up-front administration of your facilitating that choice.
If you are interested in implementing a staff rewards program for your business, iGo has innovative solutions to reward hard-working employees in a practical way. Visit our site today or get in touch with our team directly at 03 8383 6000.