Not every company emphasizes the importance of recognizing their employees' hard work, but for those that do, these companies claim to have happier, more productive workers.
According to a survey by Globoforce, 78 percent of employees say being recognized for their work motivates them on the job.
“Sometimes simply receiving a paycheck is not enough of an incentive to keep employees dedicated and focused,” says Amelia Jenkins in her article on Chron Small Business.
From bocce courts to bowling alleys, these companies know the value of rewarding their employees, and they do it in some of the coolest ways possible.
Google, Inc.
There’s a reason Google's ranked in the top five of Fortune magazine’s list of “100 Best Companies to Work For” in the past six years.
Employees can help themselves to bocce courts, a bowling alley, and an overflowing food pantry.
CEO Larry Page reflects on his reasons for rewarding his employees with these "lifestyle perks" in an interview with Fortune Magazine: “When you treat people [well] ... you get better productivity. Rather than really caring what hours you worked, you care about output. We should continue to innovate in our relationship with our employees and figure out the best things we can do for them ... Our people have also been a lot happier and more productive, which is much more important."
Zappos.com
Zappos accomplishes a mix of both "traditional" ways of showing employee appreciation, like company picnics and holiday parties, as well as more unique ways.
Last year they held the Zfrog awards, which let employees pitch their own business ideas, "laughter yoga" classes, Tank Top Tuesday, and recognizing employees in different departments, such as Merchandiser of the Quarter.
“I love working at Zappos; the creativity and fun we have here are unparalleled, at least by any other job I've ever had. There are all sorts of people here: young and old; shy and extremely outgoing; ‘normal’ and ... weird. I love that Zappos embraces people of all cultures, styles, and personalities,” says one Zappos employee.
Starbucks Coffee
New hires at Starbucks are immediately called “partners” and the company’s web site boasts “more than 50 partner clubs and networks that help our partners share interests and find work/life balance,” which includes recreational sports leagues, foreign language clubs, and resources for parents.
The corporate culture also encourages employees to give back to the community: One graphic designer was interested in the world water crisis and ventured to Honduras to help bring clean water to a farming community as a part of Starbucks’ partnership with Ethos Water.
Furthermore, all Starbucks employees also get one free pound of coffee per week.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider