And your reward is…………… A CHICKEN!
August 17, 2008
One of the most heartwarming experiences during my recent trip with my client NCS to their flag-ship camp operation on Lihir Island in Papua New Guinea, was being an observer at their monthly staff meeting.
Gathered together were perhaps 250 local workers who were on shift at that time to, amongst other things - find out who the employee of the month award winners were…………………………
STAFF CHICKEN AWARDS
That’s right - the employees of the month win a chicken!
The staff chicken awards are a serious incentive and reward program - not a joke! Most local employees live in village environment where food and supplies have to stretch across many people. A chicken reward is JUST what the “doctor ordered”!
I’ve never seen people so proud and happy to receive a chicken, and it’s so very, very simple, appropriate, relevant, meaningful, practical AND appreciated!
Giving: Zulu regularly gives special gourmet sauce as a gift - and most people receive a funky Zulu pen - and although small and low-priced items, both have big impact and is sincerely appreciated and remembered by all those who receive it!
Receiving: I often receive movie vouchers and scratchies, and one of Zulu’s associates has given gifts of LARGE boxes of handmade, delicious gourmet chocolates for successful referrals. I LOVE IT! One gift helps me switch off and be entertained, one gift could make me rich and one gift is sure to keep me happy during my 3:00pm slump!
So what works and what doesn’t work?
- What do you give as acknowledgements, incentives and rewards to your client or staff?
- What kinds of things have you received from your clients, associates or employers?
- Does the value of the spend need to equate to or reflect the level of appreciation?
I’d love to know what you think! Leave a comment on by blog!!
PS: The chickens are frozen by the way…. not live……………………..
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I loved this story and will be sharing it with my clients. Working for the RedBalloon Group I spend my time designing Reward and Recognition programs for corporates in Australia and NZ. Relevancy is key to getting employees engaged, which is why we advocate choice as being an important part of the reward program and we are committed to having the largest range of experiences in Australia and NZ for people to choose from. http://www.redballoon.com.au