How Management Encourages Volunteers
How can management best encourage employees to volunteer to become safety committee members? Management must answer an important employee question: 'What's in it for me?'
Reward safety committee members with tangible and intangible incentives.
Tangible rewards are physical or material items given to recognize and reward someone's achievements or contributions. They are a way to recognize and show appreciation for an individual's efforts and can motivate and incentivize continued success. Below are some examples of tangible rewards:
- Cash bonuses: A common type of tangible reward given to employees for meeting performance goals or exceeding expectations.
- Gift cards: A popular form of tangible reward that allows recipients to choose what they would like to purchase.
- Trophies or plaques: Tangible rewards given to recognize outstanding achievements, such as winning a competition or exceeding a sales target.
- Merchandise or products: Includes branded merchandise, such as t-shirts or mugs, or products related to the company's industry or products.
- Travel or vacation packages: Rewards for achieving a particular performance target or for long service.
- Company perks: Includes tangible rewards such as a reserved parking spot, an upgraded office or workspace, or extra time off.
- Company-sponsored events: Includes tangible rewards such as tickets to a sporting event or concert, or an invitation to a company-sponsored party.
- Stock options or profit-sharing: Gives employees a share of the company's profits or a vested interest in the company's future.
- Specialized equipment: Rewards employees in roles where specialized equipment can make their job easier or more efficient.
Intangible rewards are non-physical rewards that cannot be touched or measured, but are still valuable to the recipient. Overall, intangible rewards can be just as powerful and motivating as tangible rewards, helping to create a positive and fulfilling work environment. Below are some examples of intangible rewards:
- Recognition and praise: Includes verbal or written recognition of a job well done, such as a thank you note, public acknowledgement, or an award.
- Opportunities for professional development: Includes the opportunity to attend conferences, workshops, or seminars to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Flexible work arrangements: Includes options such as flexible scheduling or telecommuting, which can improve work-life balance and reduce stress.
- Autonomy and decision-making power: Recognizes an employee's expertise and trustworthiness, allowing them to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
- Sense of purpose and meaning: Comes from feeling that one's work has a positive impact on others or the community.
- Increased responsibility and leadership opportunities: Recognizes an employee's potential and provides opportunities for growth and advancement.
- Opportunities for collaboration and teamwork: Recognizes the value of working with others and fosters a sense of camaraderie and support.
- Positive work environment: Comes from feeling that one's workplace is safe, respectful, and enjoyable.
- Sense of belonging: Comes from feeling that one is part of a team or community and that their contributions are valued and appreciated.
Management can let it be known that gaining experience on the safety committee benefits employees' career advancement. After all, doesn't a member of the safety committee gain additional professional communications skills, meeting management, problem-solving, knowledge of occupational safety and health programs, hazard identification, accident investigation, recommendation writing, and other areas?
That's quite a list. Consequently, safety committee membership should make an employee more qualified for advancement. Think of involvement in the safety committee as part of a "management apprenticeship" program.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-7. Which is an example of a tangible reward that might be important to safety committee members?
You forgot to answer the question!