Fun Rewards For Employees: 20 Best Ideas And Benefits

In the modern business world, an engaged and motivated workforce is a key ingredient for success. Gone are the days when salary alone was enough to inspire passion and dedication. Today, employees crave more than just monetary compensation. They desire a work environment that recognizes their efforts and fosters their personal and professional growth. In this regard, a well-structured reward system is an excellent tool for businesses to keep their employees motivated and improve their overall productivity. From fun team activities to personalized recognition, this blog will unveil a plethora of unique fun rewards for employees that will help you cultivate a thriving and dynamic work culture.

What Do Fun Rewards For Employees Mean?

It refers to the non-monetary benefits, incentives, or perks that employers provide to their staff as a means of appreciation and motivation. These rewards, beyond traditional compensation and benefits, aim to create a more engaging, enjoyable, and satisfying workplace environment.

The idea behind “fun” rewards is to offer something that will not only recognize the employees’ efforts and achievements but also bring them joy and satisfaction. This could be anything from team-building activities or even office parties. And these rewards can serve multiple purposes.

Each company may have a different interpretation of what constitutes a “fun” reward, based on their work culture and the preferences of their employees. The key is to design rewards that resonate with your team and align with your organizational values and goals.

What Are The Best Fun Rewards For Employees?

Creating an engaging and fun work environment often requires a bit of creativity. Here are the twenty best fun rewards for employees that could help motivate and inspire them:

Flexible Work Hours

This approach empowers employees by giving them the autonomy to decide their working hours. A flexible schedule can help employees balance their work and personal life better. And this can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

Remote Work Days

With advancements in technology, many jobs can be done from anywhere. Allowing employees to work from home or any location of their choice can offer them a much-needed change of environment, and reduce commute stress. And it can lead to a more comfortable and productive workday.

Extra Vacation Days

Everyone appreciates extra time off. Awarding extra vacation days as a reward for hard work or achieving targets can be a great way to show appreciation. This can help employees to unwind, recharge, and come back to work with renewed energy and motivation.

Professional Development Courses

Investing in your employees’ growth shows that you value their professional development. Sponsoring courses, seminars, or workshops can help them acquire new skills, enhance their expertise, and stay up-to-date with industry trends. This not only benefits the individual but also contributes to the growth of the organization.

Company Retreats

Organizing company retreats is a great way to foster team spirit and cooperation. These retreats can be a mix of fun activities and informal workshops that encourage employees to connect with each other outside the traditional work environment. This can lead to stronger relationships and improved collaboration back in the office.

Gourmet Coffee Bar

Who doesn’t love a good cup of coffee? Offering a selection of high-quality coffee and teas in the office is a simple yet effective reward. It can serve as a pick-me-up during the workday and can also encourage employees to take short, refreshing breaks.

Casual Dress Days

Relaxing the dress code once a week or on certain days can make the workplace feel more comfortable and less formal. Employees can express their personal style. And this can make them feel more at ease and may even boost creativity.

Book Club

A company book club can be an exciting way for employees to engage with each other beyond work-related topics. Offering free books and setting aside time for discussions can stimulate intellectual conversations, promote a learning culture, and strengthen interpersonal relationships among team members.

Healthy Snacks

Providing free healthy snacks like fresh fruits, nuts, and granola bars can help employees maintain a balanced diet and keep their energy levels high throughout the day. This not only shows that you care about their health and well-being, but it also adds an element of convenience to their busy workday.

Fitness Classes

Encouraging physical health is equally important. Offering on-site fitness classes like yoga, pilates, or Zumba can provide employees with a fun and convenient way to stay fit. Alternatively, sponsoring gym memberships or providing discounts to local fitness centers can also be a great incentive. Regular physical activity can lead to improved physical health, reduced stress, and increased focus and productivity.

Game Room

Creating a game room equipped with board games, video games, pool tables, or table tennis can provide a fun break from work. It not only serves as a stress reliever but also fosters friendly competition and camaraderie among team members.

Movie Tickets

Gifting movie tickets for a job well done is a simple and enjoyable reward. This allows employees to have a relaxing evening out, and if offered as pairs, it can also provide quality time for them with a loved one.

Office Parties

Office parties are a great way to celebrate team achievements or milestones. These could be themed parties, holiday celebrations, or informal get-togethers. They provide a platform for employees to connect on a personal level, strengthening team bonds.

Recognition Awards

Instituting an employee recognition program with awards for various categories can motivate employees. These could include awards for the “best innovator”, “team player”, “best customer service”, etc. Recognizing employees in front of their peers boosts their self-esteem and motivates them to continue their efforts.

Lunch with the CEO

This reward provides an opportunity for employees to interact directly with top management. This informal setup can make them feel valued and heard, fostering a sense of belonging and boosting morale.

Departmental Outings

These could be trips to amusement parks, bowling alleys, sporting events, or even a nice restaurant. Such outings allow teams to bond outside the work environment, encouraging better collaboration and communication in the office.

Free Massages

Hiring a professional massage therapist to come into the office once a month can be a unique and appreciated perk. It’s a great way to relieve stress and show your employees that you care about their well-being.

Birthday Celebrations

Celebrating employees’ birthdays with a small party or offering them a day off makes them feel special and appreciated. It creates a positive work culture where every individual is valued.

Charity Events

Organizing volunteer days or charity drives that align with employees’ values can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It strengthens the team spirit and enhances the company’s image as a socially responsible entity.

Personalized Gifts

These could be anything from a custom-made mug with their name, a book by their favorite author, or a gift card to their favorite store. Personalized gifts show that you know and appreciate their individual tastes and preferences, which can significantly boost employee morale and satisfaction.

Remember, the effectiveness of these rewards can vary based on the preferences of your team. Always try to understand what your employees value and appreciate most when designing your reward system.

How These Fun Rewards Are Helpful?

Fun rewards in the workplace can be highly beneficial for both employees and the company as a whole. Here’s how:

Boosts Employee Morale: Fun rewards can significantly enhance employee morale. When employees feel appreciated and recognized for their efforts, they are likely to feel happier, more satisfied, and more motivated to perform at their best.
Increases Productivity: A happy and engaged employee is often a productive one. Fun rewards can break the monotony of the work environment, reduce stress, and rejuvenate employees, leading to increased productivity.
Fosters a Positive Company Culture: Fun rewards can foster a positive company culture where employees feel valued and appreciated. This can make the workplace more enjoyable, leading to increased employee engagement and commitment.
Promotes Employee Retention: High employee turnover can be costly for businesses. When employees feel appreciated and enjoy their work environment, they’re likely to stay with the company longer, reducing hiring and training costs.
Attracts Talent: A company known for its positive work environment and employee recognition efforts is more likely to attract top talent. Fun rewards can give companies a competitive edge in the job market.
Enhances Employee Wellness: Many fun rewards, like fitness classes, healthy snacks, or stress-relief activities, contribute to employee wellness. Healthier employees are often more productive and take fewer sick days.
Inspires Creativity and Innovation: A positive and enjoyable work environment can inspire creativity and innovation. Employees who feel appreciated and engaged are more likely to think outside the box and contribute innovative ideas.

Remember, the key to a successful reward system is understanding what motivates your employees. Tailoring rewards to their preferences and needs will make them more effective and appreciated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the implementation of fun rewards in the workplace is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance the overall work environment. It’s not merely about the rewards themselves, but more about cultivating an atmosphere of appreciation, motivation, and respect. By offering fun and unique rewards, companies can positively influence the well-being and satisfaction of their employees. Ultimately, leading to higher productivity, increased loyalty, and a stronger company culture.

Employee wellness programs are the key to improving employee motivation, productivity, and retention. At MantraCare, we have a team of health experts, counselors, and coaches who serve corporate employees with 10+ well-being programs including EAP, Employee Diabetes Reversal, Corporate MSK, Employee Fitness, Corporate Yoga, and Employee meditation.

Unique and Fun Reward Ideas to Motivate Your Employees