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What motivates you? Ask 100 employees, and you’ll get 100 different answers.
That’s both the beauty and the challenge of employee rewards. When done right, they’re not just a way to say “thanks” — they’re a way to drive engagement, shape behaviors, and build a workplace people actually want to stick around in.
Because at the end of the day, rewards aren’t just about what you give — they’re about how they make people feel. So, where do you start? With a rewards strategy that hits all the right notes for all the right people.
6 types of employee rewards to motivate your team
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to rewarding your team. Some are driven by cash bonuses; others light up from a shout-out in a team meeting. The trick is knowing what makes each kind of reward really click with your team — and how to use them to spark motivation, reinforce great work, and keep your company culture thriving.
Here are six types of employee rewards that do just that:
1. Monetary rewards
Money talks — and when used right, it can speak volumes. Financial rewards like bonuses or raises are great for motivating employees, especially when tied to specific goals or milestones. But here’s the catch: while cash is powerful, it shouldn’t be the only tool in your rewards toolbox.
When balanced with non-monetary incentives, monetary rewards show employees that their hard work is valued and recognized.
A couple of examples:
- Bonuses are perfect for celebrating big wins or meeting major targets.
- Raises show long-term appreciation for consistent, high-quality work.
2. Non-monetary rewards
Not every reward has to come with a price tag. Non-monetary rewards like time off and growth opportunities send a powerful message: we see you, we trust you, and we want you to thrive here. In fact, our 2024 Engagement and Retention report found that career progression was the biggest non-monetary reason employees considered leaving their current jobs.
They may not come wrapped in a bow, but they’re often the perks that stick with people the longest.
Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Extra time off to recharge or to spend with loved ones.
- A development opportunity, like a training session or course, to enhance skills.
3. Experiential rewards
Want to really make an impact? Try experiential rewards. These rewards go beyond a physical token and offer employees an experience they’ll remember long after it’s over. Experiential rewards connect employees to your company in a way that goes beyond the day-to-day grind.
These types of rewards are fun, engaging, and a great way to show top performers that their contributions matter.
For instance:
- A weekend getaway for top performers can help recharge their batteries.
- Exclusive tickets to a sporting event or concert create fun, shared experiences.
4. Milestone rewards
Some things are worth celebrating — and milestones are one of them. Whether it’s a work anniversary, a major project completion, or just hitting a big goal, milestone rewards help you recognize long-term dedication and achievements.
These rewards aren’t just about marking time; they’re about reinforcing loyalty and showing employees that their hard work and years of service has made a real impact.
Consider rewarding your team with:
- A personalized plaque or trophy for a milestone work anniversary.
- A special gift for completing a major project or hitting a long-term goal.
5. Social rewards
Social rewards are all about recognition — the kind that happens in front of your peers, in team meetings, or on a company-wide call. It’s those moments when someone gets a well-deserved round of applause, or a shout-out for doing something great.
A little public recognition can go a long way in boosting morale and building stronger connections. In fact, for those who say they’re paid below the local market rate, the ones recognized monthly are 33% more likely to say they’re not job hunting in the coming year.
Social reward examples include:
- A peer-to-peer recognition program where employees can nominate colleagues for special achievements.
- A public thank-you or acknowledgment in a company newsletter or social platform.
6. Points-based rewards
Points-based rewards are like a choose-your-own-recognition adventure. Employees earn points for doing great work — whether it’s living your company values, lending a hand, or hitting stretch goals — and then redeem those points for something that matters to them.
It’s personal, flexible, and a great way to keep motivation humming in the background every day. It also helps connect everyday actions to something bigger: your culture.
A few ways to make it work:
- Tie points to behaviors that matter, like teamwork, innovation, or going the extra mile.
- Offer a variety of redemption options, including tech, travel, local experiences, or even charitable donations.
Employee reward best practices
Even the best rewards can miss the mark without a solid strategy behind them. These tips will help you build a program that actually works — and keeps your team motivated for the long haul.
- Make it personal: What motivates one person might not do much for another. Tailor rewards to individual preferences whenever you can.
- Be timely: If too much time passes, the impact fades. Reward people as close to the moment as possible.
- Set clear goals: Employees should know exactly what earns a reward — and how it ties back to company priorities.
- Stay consistent: Recognition shouldn’t be random. Build it into your routine so people know it’s part of how things work.
- Use your data: Track what’s working through engagement tools or platform insights. Adjust your approach based on real results.
With the right mix of rewards — and a few smart practices — you’re well on your way to building a more engaged, motivated team.
Integrating different types of employee rewards into your HR tech stack
Managing and measuring different types of employee rewards doesn’t have to be complicated. By integrating a recognition and rewards platform like Achievers, you can streamline the entire process and leverage data to drive maximum impact.
Here’s how Achievers makes integrating rewards into your existing tech stack possible:
Seamless integration into HRIS platforms
Integrating your rewards program into your HRIS platform can transform how you manage recognition. Here’s how it helps:
- Streamlined process: Achievers brings everything together — performance incentives, milestone celebrations, and general recognition — into one easy-to-use platform.
- Effortless data flow: With Achievers, data flows smoothly between your rewards program and your other HR systems, saving you time and reducing manual work.
Automation for timely recognition
Automation ensures that recognition is always on time, giving employees the celebration they deserve when they need it most. Here’s how Achievers helps keep recognition on track:
- Keep recognition frequent: With Achievers, you’re delivering recognition more than twice as often as other platforms, keeping employees engaged and motivated.
- AI that knows when and how: Achievers’ AI-powered insights suggest the perfect moment for rewards, ensuring recognition is relevant and timely.
Data-driven decisions
Data is key to refining your rewards program, and Achievers makes it easier to use analytics to drive smarter decisions. Here’s how:
- Real-time insights: Get immediate feedback on employee engagement, enabling you to adjust rewards strategies without delay.
- Smart strategy adjustments: With detailed reporting, you can quickly see what’s working and refine your approach to boost engagement.
Amplifying reach and consistency
When rewards are integrated into your HR tech stack, it guarantees no one gets overlooked — no matter where they are in the world. With Achievers’ global reach, your recognition program stays consistent and inclusive.
- Covering all employees: Achievers makes it easy to recognize every employee, no matter where they are — whether it’s through our mobile app or our deep integrations with applications like Microsoft Teams and Workday.
- Consistency across locations: With Achievers’ robust global rewards marketplace and scalable, localized platform, your rewards program is consistent across the world, with no hidden fees or markups.
- Aligning with company goals: Our platform helps you recognize behaviors that align with your values, reinforcing what matters most. With AI insights and customizable dashboards, you can fine-tune your strategy to drive the behaviors that lead to success.
Strengthen your culture with all types of employee rewards
At the end of the day, it’s not just about the rewards themselves, but about creating a culture where motivation thrives, and great work gets noticed.
Want to take your rewards program to the next level? Achievers’ recognition platform makes it easy to recognize the right behaviors and turn your program into something that truly drives success.
Types of employee rewards FAQs
