Reward teams and you get to build motivation, boosts productivity and develops team trust. Indeed, offering people recognition boosts their self-esteem, confidence and happiness at work.
Some other advantages are increased employee engagement, less staff turnover, higher customer satisfaction ratings and the fact that organization grows in its sense of purpose. To be sure, there are plenty other good reasons to reward teams. But only a few great ways to do it.

While employee recognition measures have suffered a downsizing in the past decades, there are many cost-effective ways to show appreciation. Here are the 4 best ways to reward teams and team members.

1. Take your team outdoors

Going out is a game changer. You can take your team out to celebrate something, of course. But what makes going out valuable is that you can also use it for work.
For example, you can schedule your next meeting somewhere nice. Something like a teahouse or a coffee shop. On average, most people find meetings boring and counterproductive. Sure, using smart meetings is an improvement in itself. However, moving to a more exciting location is a great way to reward teams.
You can also take this approach to boost creativity, this study claims. Changing locations is more than a great way to reward teams. It is a functional approach to a brainstorming session. It does make sense, everybody gets a bit more excited in the new context. Works perfectly fine for rewarding team members or running interviews. And it is a great start-up approach to onboarding new hires.
Moreover, plenty entrepreneurs use this as a productivity hack. Overlapping functional outcomes with going out to reward teams means you hit two birds with one stone. Besides, you can always use this opportunity to award certain team members. And you can even their invite family members to celebrate.

2. Reward your team with a brunch treat

Here is the issue you solve. Most busy, highly productive people don’t eat healthy. It does not have to be this way, but it often is the case.
Generally, healthy choices are met with some level of disapproval. Yet, healthy choices are, most often, the best option there is. And more and more company cultures build themselves around healthy habits. From team sports to encouraging healthy sleep habits and a better overall work-life balance.
Furthermore, here are the added benefits. Most of all, healthy brunches are amazing. There is enough variety to satisfy all appetites and diets. Above all, they are a great way to reduce work pressure. And they can be a truly inspired choice, on several counts. Firstly, they fit really well with that last dash before finishing a project. Because it works as a boost of energy and positivity. In effect, they help teams persevere and reach set goals.
Secondly, a brunch reward can easily fit in as celebrating a team success. It adds context to bonding and building team trust. Thirdly, it is an amazing way to build happiness at work. It does not have to happen every day, obviously. Lastly, you can also use the brunch as a great way to celebrate the team birthday. Simply add a cake to the brunch.

3. Offer flexible work locations

Half a century ago, casual Fridays (or Aloha Fridays) started making waves through corporate America. They covered a deep-seated need for shifting things around a little. Adding a bit of diversity, flexibility, and spunky change.
Many companies today care very little about a dress code (and don’t do enough for employee recognition). In fact, plenty start-ups simply encourage you to come as you are. Teams today, however, still need that extra bit of something to spice things up. Today’s Aloha Friday is all about locations.
Hence, try a work from home day. Telecommuting and working from co-working spaces are, in fact, on the rise. More and more teams work together with the help of awesome collaborative tech.

There are many other ways you can use locations to reward your team. Merely use your imagination. From spa brainstorming sessions to themed cook-outs. Anything you feel might break the much-dreaded routine.
To be fair, flexible hours work the same way. Imagine offering everyone on your team a come-in-late Monday. Not even Garfield would complain. In fact, making everything a bit more flexible is a great policy to consider.

4. Add a personal touch

Work can sometimes be a game of “pretend.” We meet each other in a professional capacity, completely oblivious to the personal. Yet, adding a personal touch can make all the difference in the world. And there are many ways to do so while maintaining things professional.
To begin with, you can make it a habit to personally thank team members. This, of course, needs to happen on certain, well-known occasions. Such as when team members go out of their way for a project. Or even for team spirit. Thanking team members is a personal touch that enhances the overall team experience.
In addition, consider public displays of team achievements. Most people would put their own achievements up on a wall. Right behind their chair, facing new comers or guests. Instead, considering posting team achievements. It is a clear way to showcase that teamwork is what you are all about. And, most of all, it makes the team feel appreciated.
If time allows it, consider working side-by-side on special projects with some members of your team. Small side-projects can go a long way in improving team work. And for some, side-quests are a welcomed work-break. Besides, Google does it, and they must know a thing or two about rewarding their employees.
Correction, Google took back their 20% time for personal projects, because it’s apparently useless. At least without the micro-team modification it is. Creating a small project to work on with a few members of the team is a great way to bond. Most of all, however, it can be a treat that breaks the monotony of working on some projects.
Overall, being smart about how you reward your team pays off. You get to make everyone happier while also gaining a lot in the productivity department. This goes beyond the positive effects of recognition. It should set a standard for work interaction. Most of all, showing appreciation is important.