Reader Question: I’ve been thinking about some sort of incentive program like “employee of the month” in my office. What do you think are the implications on teamwork?
Our response: I’m sure that office incentive programs have varying levels of success or detriment in any office depending on the way management portrays the importance of the incentive, like employee of the month. If the benefits of the recognition are enticing (ie raise, promotion) there’s no doubt that it can serve to motivate employees, but at what cost?
Individual recognitions seem, to me, to tear down the team environment. Already, it is natural for people to look out for themselves, and adding management affirmation to that only serves erodes team culture. Our advice would be to base recognition and incentives on team goals rather than individual goals. By putting in place incentives that teams can accomplish together, it gives the group of employees an even stronger reason to bond together as a team under a common goal.
There’s no doubt individual recognitions have the potential to get the best out of everyone, but it certainly comes at the risk of individuals seeking to advance themselves over the team.
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