Non-Monetary Incentives

Non-monetary incentives are highly effective in relieving stress. People want to be appreciated, involved and comfortable in their working environment. They want to feel as though the network in which they are surrounded, supports them and cares for them. A company that invests in their employees' educations, invites their families to picnics functions, encourages well-deserved breaks, buys lunch during "crunch times" will have a collective staff that handles stress better. In the simulation I chose to provide the staff with free winter gear. This boosted morale, promotes safety and health and decreases absenteeism--a highly effective non-monetary incentive.

An employee's motivation is essential to their performance. The simulation explains that motivation is dependent upon several factors such as stress, workloads and rewards. If an employee is properly recognized and rewarded, they will be more likely to incorporate or continue behaviors which show high levels of performance even in stressful times. For instance, I chose to offer Spot Rewards to employees which by itself increased productivity 5%, more than any other motivation measure alone.

Even without working in a globalized organization, an employee in today's workforce can expect to work in a multi-cultural environment. Accordingly, employers must take steps to educate and sensitize their staff on other cultures and practices, and impart why the education is necessary. It is not because the law says we must be tolerant but because there are advantages to a culturally diverse work environment. A smart company will capitalize on the differences of strengths within their workforce.

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