Implement staff incentive schemes

Ensuring the incentive scheme is successful

You can take measures when setting up an incentive scheme to help ensure its success. These include:

• briefing the workforce
• training supervisors to answer employee or trade union queries
• documenting how the scheme will work to avoid misunderstandings
• running a pilot scheme to see if any adjustments should be made

Monitoring the system is an ongoing process, problem areas should be highlighted and addressed promptly.

Is the scheme working?

Establish a system that keeps a record of objectives and goals. Remember that some incentives/perks can indirectly benefit the business.

Review the incentives and find out through feedback whether staff value them.

Incentives should not discriminate against certain staff, eg membership of a men-only golf club.

Evaluating the scheme

Set a time for evaluating the scheme and involve staff or union representatives.

As a rough guide you should aim to report on the following:

• whether the scheme achieved its objectives
• whether the scheme is fair in terms of who benefits - find information on equal pay principles on the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) website
• whether incentives linked to performance really do motivate staff
• how the scheme is promoted and how well staff understand and buy into it
• whether staff require further information or training to help them achieve their targets
• how the scheme compares to competitors or industry norms

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• The benefits of staff incentive schemes
• Incentive schemes and the options
• Perks and the options
• Setting up an incentive scheme for employees
• Ensuring the incentive scheme is successful
• Here's how a staff incentive scheme improved our business

 

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