An effective safety rewards program can reduce injury and illness in an organization by 20-40%. Here are 6 ways to improve your safety reward program to ensure employees are being honest and using the safety reward program properly.
- Involve Everyone- Utilize employees at all levels to educate and enforce the safety program.
- Know Where You Are and Where You Are Going- Define the goals and objectives of the safety program and align those with the overall strategic goals and objectives of your company.
- Use a Combination of Recognition and Reward Strategies and Tools- Use a points program to allow employees to accrue points that can be used toward the reward of their choice. You can also recognize safe employees each month and reward them with a small spot reward such as a small denomination gift card that they can use as they see fit.
- Recognize Often, Publicly, and Genuinely- Genuine recognition can improve productivity and morale among employees, this may seem trivial but it is incredible important.
- Focus on Smaller Rewards for a Larger Number of People- Small rewards that are given readily are often more effective than a few large rewards like a travel package. Small, instant rewards such as gift cards, reinforce specific behavior at specific times.
- Understand that to Err is Human- Rather than punishing employees when accidents happen, make sure to recognize employees with excellent safety records.
For more information on how to maximize your safety program check out this Industry Week article.
