Rewarding employees for their performance.

               Most properties have some sort of employee gratification program. Often, where they have been implemented, the programs are ineffective or take too long to instill gratification. Here are some of the directions I have taken as far as rewarding my teams for their excellence in service. A personal gesture tends to be more rewarding then what the property typically offers.


Within the first 60 days



                    There are two ways you can do this. At the beginning, the end, or both. You'll have to feel it out.

                    The first acknowledgement is what I call a "previous work recognition". That's not a highly technical term or anything, it's just descriptive. I like to acknowledge the previous work the staff has done prior to my arrival. I have found that this brings a certain level of respect to a new manager, as the staff sees a few things:

1. They are being rewarded for the work they have put in before the new manager was even there to see it. Most likely they have not been rewarded previously and this provides a great starting off point with your new teammates.
2. This gives them an indication of the style of new manager coming in, their values and the type of professional level that they will conduct themselves in.
3. That you truly care about your teammates as individuals and that it's more than just a job. 

There are smaller awards to be had for the initial reward should you choose. As staff grows in their success, or leaves, you may wish to bestow a larger award.

                    This is an example of some smaller awards. I never place my name on them. It is not about me, it is about the staff and the work they have completed prior to you. A usual text for me would say something to the effect of "In recognition of your dedication to hospitality"


                    This isn't something to make a big deal about or have an awards show on. These were given personally from me to my staff because I had something personal to say to them. I see how they operate as their manager. I feel we should reward as we see fit. No hotel funds were used or asked for. This was simply a personal gesture to my staff.

                    The greatest thing about it was the response. A few people were in tears. Almost every staff member told me they had never been rewarded. Most of them told me this was the first and only trophy they had ever received in their life. This is what it was all for, that response. When people are rewarded for their work without asking for it, that is a special thing.


The Last Days




                    Upon departure of a position, I usually go for bigger awards. I've had the chance to view my staff for a few years and get to know them. These are sendoff awards for work and service excellence you yourself have witnessed over the years.

                    Every property with the exception of one was impressed with this idea. They complained that the property already had an award system and that there were probably many people who deserved to get an award like that. He was right, yet I was nevertheless dismayed at his response. As with their reward system, you needed to receive 10 accommodations before you received an "award" from the property. That is too long to wait.

From that property on, I have conducted this away from the property. You may want to do the same, and it is always good to get your people out!


There are many ways to reward employees. This is just one of many beginning and end scenarios that has brought me success.


The link below is to the business where I always purchase my awards. They do not pay me for this, nor is it an advertisement. They are simply the online business I found that had the best prices and service. I have used them for years with no problems and an always helpful staff.

Click Here and Happy Managing!!