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Ask HN: Good way to recognize and reward team members?

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Re: Ask HN: Good way to recognize and reward team members?

#11
post #2

Honestly, I've found just acknowledging the hard work and effort they've put in, while in an all team context, is more rewarding than a trinket. The best reward you can give is your respect and appreciation, especially if given publicly, signaling that you value that person. You'll be a stronger team if you can show true appreciation for one another. (PS: Take the team out for beer too, obviously :) )

Agreed. As a few individuals have really make some big impacts I have been sure to thank them personally for working hard and helping us hit our date. I intend to thank the team publicly as well once we are live but I guess I was looking if there would be something in addition to verbal praising that would be meaningful.

Sorry, by publicly I meant in front of the rest of the team, not like in a blog post (which could be nice as well). Really you want to make them feel like a highly valued member of the team.

Re: Ask HN: Good way to recognize and reward team members?

#12
Have a team meeting. Tell everyone what they did, how their efforts and contributions helped deliver the MVP, and give them a spot bonus. The spot bonus doesn't have to be large, I would say 100 to 500 dollars. The recognition and the bonus will boost their morale and make them happier employees.

Re: Ask HN: Good way to recognize and reward team members?

#13
I'd say it really depends on your company culture, but as a young developer I do enjoy free little things: company swag (hoodie, jacket...), free reward lunch and the like. It's cheap for you and yet feels way more rewarding than a sticker that is exactly what you get as a kid! (Cf the 20 other comments). You can also probably get approval from the hierarchy more easily for stuff like hardware upgrade. You know this guy asked a couple time for this 30" iDisplay but is still stuck with his 22" ViewSonic, well, maybe it's time to increase his productivity and make him feel special, boom one stone two birds!

Re: Ask HN: Good way to recognize and reward team members?

#15

Have a team meeting. Tell everyone what they did, how their efforts and contributions helped deliver the MVP, and give them a spot bonus. The spot bonus doesn't have to be large, I would say 100 to 500 dollars. The recognition and the bonus will boost their morale and make them happier employees.

For that size of bonus, it's nice to work out the net amount after tax, and hand the employee cash. e.g. if you want to give a 500USD spot bonus, then gross it up to 800 or whatever pre-tax, and hand them 500USD cash in an envelope.
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