Rewards & Recognition - Best Practices For Employee Encouragement

When employees are acknowledged and praised for doing a good job, it gives them validation and motivation to continue to do even better. Here are some habits we'd suggest making your own for better employee encouragement:

- Create a reward system.

• This doesn't need to be a tangible reward - something like "Employee of the Week" or a prime parking spot for the month can go a long way. Create a little friendly competition between team members.

- Be specific about expectations.

• Phrases like "show initiative" or "improve efforts" are too vague. Employees are likely to get discouraged when their efforts don’t measure up. Set measurable goals for employees to meet and exceed.

- Recognize good behaviors, not just good outcomes.

• Employees who make extra efforts like arriving early every day or helping others should be recognized for that positive behavior. Those who are contributing to the success of your dealership and are invested in that effort are valuable to you, and you should show them that!

- Reward employees as a team.

• Create not only individual goals, but also some goals that apply to an entire team or department. This will encourage your employees to work together and grow stronger as a whole. Inevitably, it will also result in a work environment that is competitive in a healthy way. While their individual goals must be met, they are also contributing to their team.

- Nurture your employees’ self-esteem.

• Give your employees positive feedback that is specific to them as individuals. Show them that as their manager, you are invested in them. Help build their confidence through acknowledgement and praise for a job well done. Allow them to take pride in their accomplishments, so that they feel they are able to overcome challenges and solve problems.

- Say thank you.

• Make your employees feel appreciated. Allow this habit to boost morale at your dealership, and watch as your employees start being more encouraging towards each other as well.

While most good managers likely strive to be encouraging, it’s always helpful to be reminded! Employees who feel appreciated will work harder to prove their worth. Hopefully these ideas for habits can help at your dealership.