What are the different types of incentives for workers in the workplace?

Employers today are aware that a mere salary is not enough when employees contribute everything they have, including their time, effort and commitment to their organization’s interests.

If you look at this from the perspective of financial stability, then a limited number of salaries may be insufficient given the increased cost of living today. If you turn the discourse around and move to a central discourse, then an organization is the result of the collective efforts of its employees. Without motivated and satisfied employees, an organization’s performance can be significantly impacted. No organization wants that to happen.

For this reason, in most organizations, the story does not end with fixed compensation. There are different types of incentives that are provided to employees to keep morale up and increase the productivity of the organization as a whole.

However, for most workers who are early in their careers, this area is unclear. They don’t know that incentives exist, and that’s probably why they miss out on a lot and don’t take advantage of the benefits that are available to them.

If you are one of them, consider this article as your guide to learn all about the types of incentives offered to employees in the workplace.

There are two types of incentives: monetary incentives and non-monetary expenses. Let’s dive into the details of the two types.

A. Monetary incentives

1. salary incentives.

Not all employees are paid the same; salary depends on their function and position, of course. But it also depends on the employee’s performance. Companies often reward employees with higher compensation if they consider them hardworking, productive, or efficient. It is one of the most popular types of financial incentives used in almost all companies.

2. profits

When a company makes large profits, they are not just distributed to shareholders. Most companies reward hard-working employees by sharing the profits with them.

Profits are not only a reward, but also serve as a motivational tool. If an employee knows he could get a share of the profits, he may be extra productive and perform better.

3. partnership

This is another monetary incentive that facilitates the offering of shares. Some companies reward their employees by offering them shares. However, it is important to note that this is not ownership, but merely management privileges and other monetary benefits that other employees do not receive. This is another way to motivate employees and help them explore and develop new skills, which is not only beneficial to the employee but also to the company.

4. bonuses

A bonus is additional pay often given to employees as a reward for their contribution to the company. Bonuses are given after goals are met, annually, quarterly or more than once, it all depends on the company. Most companies offer them in the form of cash or vouchers to maintain a healthier relationship with their employees.

5. commissions

It is a premium on the base salary when an employee generates large sales for the company. This motivates them to work harder and increase their productivity to generate more sales and earn more commissions.

6. retirement incentives

These benefits include provident funds or pensions. Most state-owned companies offer pensions to their employees, paying out a certain amount of money each month. Pension funds, on the other hand, are a type of reserve fund that collects a portion of earnings that are available to employees after they retire. This financial incentive is usually offered by the private sector.

7. cost-of-living allowance

The essential purpose of this financial incentive is to combat inflation. It is designed to minimize the impact of inflation on employees by paying them an amount in addition to their fixed salary.

The cost-of-living allowance varies by industry. Typically, it is mainly state-owned entities that provide the cost-of-living allowance, but recently other private sector companies have also joined the scheme.

8. fringe benefits

These are benefits provided to employees’ families. These financial incentives include, for example, school fees for children, medical benefits and housing.

However, not all companies offer such benefits as it can be quite expensive for them. However, companies such as Google and Microsoft are some of the few.

B. Non-monetary benefits

1. delegation of authority

Delegation of authority means that managers or people in higher positions assign new tasks to their employees. This can make employees feel valued, develop a more responsible attitude and self-confidence, and learn new skills.

2. management involvement

An employee needs to feel valued; management involvement is one of the non-financial incentives. Involving an employee in decision making gives the individual a sense of authority. It also makes the employee feel that their ideas and suggestions matter and that they are not just following orders, but actually contributing to the organization with their ideas.

3. promotion

Promotion can be considered as a step forward. Most people are promoted to reward their contribution, but it is also another way to motivate them to become even more efficient and productive.

4.Paid leave

Not all companies offer paid vacation, but some companies do when they recognize that the employee has put in extra time, worked hard and made personal sacrifices for the good of the company.

5.gift cards or gifts

Most companies issue coupons and gift cards to reward their employees’ dedication and hard work. Most of the time, such rewards are distributed on special occasions or celebrations, but there is no set calendar for this; it depends entirely on the company.

6. celebration

Companies often celebrate the achievement of a major milestone with office parties. The point is not just to celebrate, but also to reward the company’s collective efforts. Some companies even organize short vacations for their employees to make them feel appreciated and take time off for their well-being. This is one of the most common examples of non-monetary incentives that almost every company offers.

7. The Final Word

These are just a few types of incentives for workers in the workplace, there are more and they vary from company to company. To find out which ones there are, you can talk to a colleague who will give you accurate information.

However, the purpose of such incentives is to reward, recognize, celebrate, motivate and increase productivity. Every company has to pay these costs to keep their employees happy and reduce turnover rates. As a manager who manage such incentives, you can access to Icehrm.com and easily do the whole HR process of your company.