Professional Business Insights

Running a setup without good employees to help you stand up can be tricky. Studies show that acknowledging employees can lead to higher productivity and a 20% increase in business outcomes. Organizations with concrete steps to recognize team members enjoy the more robust engagement, increased employee morale, better customer service and even higher turnover.

Every setup has stand-out employees even though they don't recognize it. By taking note of the qualities that help your team stand out, you can identify and encourage them. The best employees might seem easy to spot, but traditional worker characteristics that companies have held dear only sometimes make for the best team long-term.

How do you reward an employee for a good job? However, you might think employees only want monetary rewards or promotions to celebrate success. Still, workers also appreciate public recognition for their wins, which can come as corporate awards. With this in mind, here are four ways to recognize stand-out employees in the workplace:

1. Consistent High Performance: Stand-out employees are consistently high performers who consistently exceed expectations in their work. They take ownership of their tasks and work towards achieving their goals with great attention to detail and a commitment to excellence. They consistently produce high-quality work that is error-free and completed promptly.

2. Positive Attitude: Stand-out employees have a positive attitude towards their work and colleagues. They exhibit a positive and enthusiastic demeanor towards their work and are always eager to assist others, even when not required. They are eager to learn new things, take on new challenges, and always look for ways to improve their skills.

3. Leadership: Stand-out employees demonstrate leadership qualities, even if not in a formal leadership role. They are proactive in identifying problems and taking steps to resolve them. They are also excellent communicators who clearly and effectively articulate their ideas to others. They motivate and inspire their colleagues to perform at their best and are respected and trusted by their peers.

4. Innovation and Creativity: Stand-out employees are innovative and creative thinkers, unafraid to try new things. They bring fresh ideas and are not afraid to take risks. They are curious and constantly seek new ways to improve processes and procedures. They are adaptable and can think independently, making them valuable assets to the organization. They are often recognized for their ability to develop innovative solutions that positively impact the organization.

Anyone can perform well only when they feel valued, respected and appreciated for their efforts.

As a manager or head of departments, ensure to always provide the best work culture for your employees and credit their work. Focus on effective employee engagement and retention techniques and engage them in fun activities that will break the monotony, infuse enthusiasm, and make them enjoy their work. It's the least you can do to let them know you care for them.

Are you looking for a day out with your team that combines fun with activity? An outdoor adventure could be exactly what you need. Whether you're into hiking, biking, kayaking, or rock climbing, there are plenty of outdoor activities. Here are some tips for planning and making your next outdoor adventure successful.

Essential Gear and Supplies

Before you head out, you'll need to select the appropriate gear and pack essential supplies. This will depend on the activity you're planning. For example, if you're going hiking, you'll need sturdy hiking boots, appropriate clothing, and a backpack. You'll need a kayak, paddles, and a life jacket for kayaking. Do some research beforehand to ensure you have everything you need. No matter the activity, some of the more common items you'll need to include are a water bottle, snacks, a map, and a first-aid kit.

Assessing Risks

Outdoor activities can be fun, but they can also be risky. Before you head out, you should assess potential risks and take precautions to ensure everyone's safety. So, if you plan a hike, check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing and gear. If you're going kayaking, ensure everyone knows how to swim and is wearing a life jacket. Also, check that nobody has any health issues that could be aggravated by the type of activity you're planning.

Choosing a Destination

There are plenty of outdoor destinations to choose from. National parks and wilderness areas are popular choices, but many urban green spaces offer opportunities for outdoor activities. Choose a destination appropriate for your team's skill level and interests. Some popular national parks include Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon National Park.

Eco-Friendly Activities

When planning your outdoor adventure, consider choosing eco-friendly outdoor activities that minimize environmental impact. For example, consider biking or walking to the trailhead instead of driving to a hiking trail.

If you're camping, follow “Leave No Trace” principles. This means packing all your trash and taking it with you when you leave, and being mindful of any damage you may cause to the environment.

Commemorating Your Adventure

Finally, remember to commemorate your outdoor adventure. One way to do this is to give personalized trophies or awards. This is a great way to recognize everyone's hard work and make the day memorable.

When choosing a trophy company, pick a reputable one that sells high-quality, personalized products. Team members rewarded with these will be proud to put them on display within their homes or office desks.

A successful outdoor adventure with your team requires thoughtful planning and execution. By selecting the right gear, assessing potential risks, choosing eco-friendly activities, and commemorating your adventure with personalized trophies or awards, you can ensure that your team has a fun and memorable experience that strengthens camaraderie and teamwork fosters a sense of accomplishment that can translate into the workplace.

Leaders agree: creativity and innovation are critical to success. If your company isn't constantly brainstorming new ideas and ways of thinking, it will quickly crumble in a competitive marketplace. It's not surprising since rewarding innovation can also help to motivate and engage employees, encouraging them to work harder and perform better.

So, what can you do to nurture these critical skills? You can create an environment that engages employees and encourages and rewards unconventional thinking with the right strategies. Read on to learn more about how your workplace can continue to grow and thrive.

1. Recognize employees for a job well done.

Long term employee recognition awards provide powerful incentives for innovation: they reward creativity and hard work, remind employees that their efforts are valued, and help improve morale. Tailor these awards to that person's achievements and contributions. Focus on motivation rather than simply rewarding them for a long tenure or past accomplishments. Consider also recognizing a specific project or team effort that truly speaks to their unique skills, talents, and dedication.

In addition to providing recognition, these awards can also include a monetary or tangible reward. This could be anything from a bonus or gift cards to extra paid leave days for vacation or training courses — whatever works best for your organization. Make sure these rewards are more meaningful than just an additional paycheck; they're a way to recognize and honor employees who have contributed significantly to growing your organization.

Involve your colleagues in the decision-making process when considering any type of award; this will help ensure everyone feels involved in making positive changes and an environment where people feel empowered to think differently and develop creative solutions that benefit the entire team.

2. Offer promotions and opportunities to grow.

Give your employees a chance to advance and grow. Internal promotions reward employees for their hard work and achievements and can encourage innovation. For example, you can promote an employee to a new position or project that requires creative solutions or reward an employee who has come up with an innovative solution to a problem.

3. Encourage communication and openness.

Promote open and honest communication between employees and managers. Your employees need the freedom to explore new ideas, take risks, and make mistakes without fear of punishment or retribution. Strive to create an environment where they feel like you value their ideas and opinions. Create a space for employees to express their ideas without fearing judgment. Place suggestion boxes around the workplace, share forms that guarantee anonymity, and demonstrate that you take anonymous comments seriously.

When employees feel heard and see that their ideas lead to tangible changes, they are likelier to keep contributing. Consider Google's famous “20 percent time” policy, which encouraged employees to work on their ideas and created Gmail and Google Maps. However, if they feel that their suggestions are being ignored, they will stop offering them. Communicate when implementing an innovative idea, so they know you value their input.

4. Build a better office space.

When you create an office space that promotes creativity, you send your employees a clear message that their ideas and contributions matter. A creative workspace should be designed to facilitate collaboration and exploration. The physical environment should be comfortable and inspiring and equipped with the latest technology and tools. Consider distraction-eliminating acoustics, relaxing and/or energizing colors, comfortable temperatures, and a good natural and artificial light mix.

5. Strive for diversity and inclusion in hiring.

Drawing from different areas of expertise, educational backgrounds, and personal histories pays off. After all, having too many employees with similar knowledge can lead to ideas that quickly stagnate. To ensure you're actively increasing diversity in your office, consider résumés for what makes them unique instead of focusing on how they're similar to your existing staff.

6. Offer tools for collaboration.

Collaboration allows your employees to share ideas and learn from each other. For example, when employees can access a blank whiteboard and plenty of markers, you never know what innovative ideas may arise. An open canvas for brainstorming can lead to much-needed benefits for your business. Provide employees access to online collaboration tools, or host collaborative meetings or events. Give them the tools and resources they need to be successful, such as access to new technology and the latest training to keep their skills current.

Any successful business relies on innovation and creativity, starting with the workplace. Encouraging collaboration, communication, and flexibility and offering recognition and awards are ways to foster an environment that values ingenuity. With this mindset, your company will continue to thrive and grow well into the future.

You’ve hired the right team. Now, it’s time to make sure they stay engaged. And one proven strategy to foster overall satisfaction and connection throughout your workforce is a corporate retreat.

If you’re automatically groaning, you’ve probably endured dull and wholly uninspiring workshops in your time. But take heart: You’re the leader. You don’t have to stick to the script or the status quo. Instead, you can design a unique team-building day that motivates everyone to participate and becomes a fun shared memory.

Are you still trying to figure out where to start? A great way to brainstorm retreat ideas is to use the following suggestions as springboards: In no time, you’ll be on your way to a retreat going down in your business’s history as a success.

1. Escape Room: Build Teamwork and Problem-Solving Skills

Have a modest number of employees? Go to the nearest escape room where everyone can participate in solving a mystery. Escape rooms allow people to contribute and use skills they can’t continuously tap into while on the job. They’re an excellent way to mix up workers from different departments. You can even find virtual escape rooms for remote teams.

2. Awards Night: Celebrate Achievements and Boost Morale

In most cases, people don't have the opportunity to dress up for a lovely meal and a ceremony in their honor. Surprise your team with an awards night that’s truly customized and creative. For instance, give out trophies for meaningful individual and team accomplishments at your company. You can bet that those awards will be proudly displayed on desks around the office.

3. Professional Development: Learn New Skills and Grow Together as a Team

Rather than getting the first motivational speaker you can find for your upcoming retreat, choose someone who’s an amazing storyteller. Pick a speaker who captivates an audience’s attention—and don’t be afraid to do something different or related. Case in point: Bring in an actor who regularly “guest speaks” as an interesting historical figure.

4. Cookoff: Showcase Creativity and Build Camaraderie

Consider recreating a cookoff show like you’d see on The Food Channel if you can access a commercial kitchen. Set up small teams with ingredients and equipment, and then have a panel of judges give feedback on each dish. The event should be set up to allow all your team members to be imaginative. And you can always order pizza if the meals aren’t up to par.

5. Scavenger Hunt: Foster Teamwork, Communication, and Problem-Solving Skills

Think that a scavenger hunt sounds too much like kid stuff? Not quite, especially if you put some serious thought into your planning. An adult scavenger hunt, such as one in your city or community, can have a broad geographic boundary. Prepare to make your scavenger hunt expectations both clever and ambitious. Oh, and be sure that whatever prizes you offer will make all your team members’ efforts worthwhile. A $10 gift card won’t cut it, but some extra PTO or a memorable trip for two just might!

Your staff members work hard all year. Help them let their hair down by scheduling a corporate retreat to boost spirits and bring togetherness.

As the busy travel season ages, travelers will search for the perfect place to book their next getaway. Grab the attention of future guests by promoting your property on social media. When you start to look at Instagram as the new Google, there are several opportunities for you to creatively use the platform as an outlet to promote your property and stay booked all year long.

Whether you run a five-star hotel or resort, you only need an Instagram account to start creating content. If you aren't already using this as a tool for promotion, the time is now. Today, you don't need much money to produce a commercial attracting guests to your property. Digital marketing is the best way to attract guests, create relationships with existing customers, and reach your target travel audience.

Here are five creative ways to use Instagram to promote a hotel or resort:

1.     Highlight a hotel or resort's unique features and offerings.

Start by creating a snapshot highlight of what the property offers to guests. Hospitality is all about making your guests feel welcome. What unique features do you offer guests when they stay with you? Whether it's special welcome services upon arrival, spa treatments, poolside views from the room, cabanas, or butler services to accommodate guests, these are the unique features to begin promoting on social media. Showcase the unique and welcoming experience they will have when booking their next vacation with you.

2.     High-quality visuals and videos to showcase the property.

It's not enough to just have videos and pictures for content. To help your business stand out, invest in professional photographers and videographers who can capture high-quality content for your account. Guests who see that you have high-quality visuals feel comfortable knowing their vacation will also be a high-quality experience. Your social media tells a story, tell one worth remembering with content that captures their attention.

When booking a vacation, guests want to be able to picture themselves using your accommodations. Think about how you can give them a creative view, such as capturing ideas from the rooms, drone footage of the entire property and video tours of amenities, including the gym, pool, spa, and areas to rest and relax.

3.     Incorporate user-generated content to increase engagement.

Sometimes, the most creative way to promote your account and reach an audience beyond your followers is to incorporate user-generated content (UGC) on your page. Simply, user-generated content is original, brand-specific content created by customers. Images, videos, reviews, and guest testimonials are all user-generated content.

Incorporating content that fits your brand and adding your tone and voice to the image via copywriting is a great way to increase engagement. In the hospitality industry, especially, reviews are everything. Creating a graphic using a Google or website review from a past guest about the hotel or resort is an easy and accessible way to promote the experience others will have when they vacation with you.

4.     Behind-the-scenes content.

This is a creative way to showcase the experience of your hotel or resort. Quotes, videos, or pictures from the hotel staff welcoming guests, showing off amenities, or preparing for a guest's arrival create a relationship between you and the person on your page planning a vacation. Behind-the-scenes content gives future guests a sense of pride in creating a relationship with your brand and inspiring knowledge so they know what to expect throughout their stay.

5.     Instagram influencers or partners to expand reach and credibility.

Lastly, take advantage of the influencer marketing boom. Hire an influencer with a large following to come to stay at your hotel or resort, give them a great experience and simply tell them to post about their entire stay and everything they do. Sharing their expertise through their point of view will help your brand build credibility and give you amazing content to share and expand your reach.

Instagram marketing is here to stay. Social media is meant to be social, so engage with your audience. Interact through comments, posts, and creating engaging content that feels genuine to your brand.

If you found this helpful and would like additional marketing tips to improve your brand's reach and find advanced SEO services, visit our website and learn more.

Motivation can sometimes feel a bit elusive, especially if you factor in recent Gallup findings: 70% of employees consider themselves disengaged. For those leading sales teams, this number can be extremely problematic. The work of salespeople not only impacts the bottom line but also plays a vital role in building customer relationships, strengthening brand reputation, and supporting the overall growth of your operations.

Needless to say, a lack of motivation within sales just won’t cut it these days — as if that ever was the case. Being that no two people will respond to the same motivation tactics in the same way, it’s important to cover your bases and incorporate a number of different initiatives to improve engagement and inspire your sales team to get the word out about what you’re offering. Here’s what we recommend trying:

1. Set stretch goals.

Setting goals for a sales team is a no-brainer. People need some form of framework that constitutes success, and goals offer sales reps something that’s achievable and attainable. However, stretch goals take this idea one step further, as it can push people to achieve even greater results and build enough momentum to support business growth. Consider setting stretch goals in addition to team members’ individual goals to encourage not just motivation but innovation and enthusiasm.

2. Promote healthy competition.

A little healthy competition can go a long way to motivate sales team, while still fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. How you go about doing that will depend largely on your business and its culture — as well as the personalities that make up your team, as some individuals can get a bit cutthroat in their endeavors. A leaderboard can serve as a great motivator. The same can be said for cash prizes, gift cards, custom-shaped awards, trips, and so on.

3. Land on the right incentives.

When sales begin to lag, the time has likely come to reevaluate your incentives program. Whether a bonus, commission, or higher base pay, salespeople will respond to financial rewards — as long as those rewards correspond to their performance. Otherwise, it’s near impossible to motivate a sales team.

4. Acknowledge contributions.

Increasing sales motivation isn’t always reliant on bonuses, commissions, or pay. Many people simply want to feel as if they're a valued member of the team. Take a step back and consider what you’re currently doing to acknowledge your team members’ contributions. If it’s nothing more than signing their checks, your employees can get that elsewhere. Do more to celebrate their successes, and do it publicly.

5. Provide some autonomy.

An increasing number of people want autonomy in the workplace. One study found that 61% of employees would prefer to exercise a greater level of self-government with their jobs. Salespeople are no different. Once you provide your team with the necessary tools and training to do the job, let them run. More importantly, provide them enough room to take risks (within reason, of course) in driving sales.

6. Lean on purpose.

“Purpose” in the workplace has become a buzzword these days, but for good reason: a recent McKinsey study found that 70% workers said their purpose is defined by their daily responsibilities. Look for ways to tie the mission, values, or vision of the company to the work of your sales team. How does their work contribute to any one of these business aspects? Answer that question, and you will more likely inspire and motivate your salespeople to go the extra mile and reach their goals.

With any engagement initiative, creativity will almost always win out. Have some fun with your motivation efforts, explore a variety of options, and make sure you, as their leader, has some sort of presence on the sales floor. Better yet, seek input from team members to determine exactly what may further incentivize work. Shaving your head may not be out of the real of possibilities to motivate your sales team, so be careful what you wish for.