When it comes to motivating employees, no two people are alike.
An employee’s age provides a useful guide for what forms of recognition are most appropriate.
Here are the generation-specific rewards each group is most likely to appreciate.
Generation Y (born 1981 or later)
The youngest employees tend to place the greatest emphasis on work-life balance.
Rewarding these employees with the ability to work from home — or an extra floating holiday — tends to get better results than formal rewards or prizes.
Generation X (1964-1980)
This group tends to be more informal than older employees.
Some Gen-Xers covet trendy or name-brand prizes — like an iTunes gift card.
Others prefer company golf outings or attending similar social events.
Baby Boomers (1946-1963)
Many Baby Boomers prefer rewards that show management appreciates their hard work.
For instance, theater tickets or restaurant gift cards are often popular rewards.
Alternatively, some Boomers prefer recognition ceremonies — especially when their families can be present.
Seniors (born before 1946)
The employees of the so-called Gold Watch Generation grew up in a business culture steeped in formality and focused on rewarding seniority.
As a result, formal rewards (e.g., wall plaques) that are presented publicly tend to resonate most with these employees.
Does your company have a unique way of rewarding or motivating employees? Let us know in the Comments Box below.
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