Ideas to help you recognize and reward entry-level employees.Today, there are many workers toiling away in entry-level positionseven seniors who have returned to the workforce and taken lower-level jobs.
But no matter the age of the employee, entry-level jobs are considered stepping stone positions, so companies usually pay low wages and financial incentives are not part of the compensation package. But because training for advancement is usually part of the deal, lots of things can be done to recognize and retain people in these positions.
1. Use orientation sessions to encourage employees to recognize excellent performance in others and explain that being able to spot other top performers will help them advance on the job.
2. Orientations should communicate how company values and principles drive recognition practices and programs and encourage people to be good examples to colleagues.
3. Ensure entry-level employees receive weekly one-on-one coaching with their immediate supervisor or manager to provide positive feedback and suggestions for improvement.
4. Orchestrate experiences for the employees so that they get to know their colleagues, socialize together, and feel that they have friends at work.
5. When employees display exemplary behaviors, demonstrating company values or service principles, recognize them by sharing their stories in staff meetings or in a company newsletter or intranet site.
6. Find out from your employees about preferences for public versus private recognition and other likes and dislikes and use that information to motivate your staff.
7. Work on giving immediate and consistent recognition by using instant acknowledgement through giving printed certificates for achievement, or by giving movie tickets or other on-the-spot rewards.
8. Listen to the career plans of entry-level employees and help individuals progress through the development steps and hone skills needed to get closer to those goals.
9. When you see someone who is on the fast track for success, give him or her more responsibility along with the opportunity to be mentored by another rising star.
10. Support educational pursuits with performance-merited education grants, tuition assistance, or chances to attend company courses for advancement opportunities.
Roy Saunderson is the author of Giving the Real Recognition Way
and president of the Recognition Management Institute, which consults companies on improving employee motivation.Originally published July 1, 2009For more ideas, tips, and tools for better meetings and events,
get Successful Meetings' weekly e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.