Implement staff incentive schemes
Ensuring the incentive scheme is successful
You can take measures when setting up an incentive scheme to help ensure its success. These include:
- briefing the workforce
- training supervisors to answer employee or trade union queries
- documenting how the scheme will work to avoid misunderstandings
- running a pilot scheme to see if any adjustments should be made
Monitoring the system is an ongoing process - problem areas should be highlighted and promptly addressed.
Is the scheme working?
Establish a system that keeps a record of objectives and goals. Remember that some incentives/perks can indirectly benefit the business.
Review the incentives and find out through feedback whether staff value them.
Incentives should not discriminate against certain staff, eg membership of a men-only golf club.
Evaluating the scheme
Set a time for evaluating the scheme and involve staff or union representatives.
You should aim to find out:
- whether the scheme achieved its objectives
- whether the scheme is fair in terms of who benefits - find information on equal pay principles on the Equality Commission website - Opens in a new window
- whether incentives linked to performance really do motivate staff
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how the scheme is promoted and how well staff understand and buy into it
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whether staff require further information or training to help them achieve their targets
- how the scheme compares with those of competitors or industry norms
Subjects covered in this guide
- Introduction
- The benefits of staff incentive schemes
- Incentive schemes and the options
- Perks and the options
- Setting up an incentive scheme for employees
- Ensuring the incentive scheme is successful
- Here's how a staff incentive scheme improved our business
LRA Helpline
028 9032 1442
Equality Commission Northern Ireland Helpline
028 9089 0890
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