53 Creative Ways to Reward your Good Performers without having to give a Pay Rise

Posted on 22/03/2025 at 11:10 am

By Paul Marshall

“How do we reward our good performers without having to give a pay rise every time they do a great job?”

So hear it is… (because we have been asked this many time):

53 creative ways to reward and recognize employees for their hard work, without having to offer a pay rise. 

1. Shout-Out in Team Meetings – Highlight their accomplishments during team meetings.

2. Employee of the Month – Create a monthly recognition program.

3. Feature in the Company Newsletter – Spotlight their work in your internal communication.

4. Congratulatory Email – Send a personalized email to the whole company recognizing their achievement.

5. Social Media Shout-Out – Share their success on the company’s social media platforms,,,if they agree of course.

6. Custom Trophies or Plaques – A tangible recognition for their efforts.

7. Gift Cards – For their favorite stores, restaurants, or online retailers.

8. Personalized Stationery – Customized notebooks or pens with their name.

9. Company Promo Gear – T-shirts, hats, or bags with the company logo.

10. Flowers or Plants – A bouquet or small potted plant for their workspace.

11. Early Release Day – Let them leave early on a Friday or a day of their choosing.

12. Flexible Hours for a Week – Give them the option to work more flexibly.

13. Paid Time Off (PTO) – Reward them with an extra day off or half-day.

14. Work-from-Home Day – A day to work remotely.

15. Mental Health Day – Allow them to take a day off for self-care.

16. Training or Course Sponsorship – Offer to pay for a course or conference they’re interested in.

17. Career Coaching – Provide access to coaching or mentorship to further their career.

18. Job Rotation – Give them a chance to try a different role or project.

19. Leadership Opportunities – Let them lead a team meeting or initiative.

20. Skill Development Subscription – Offer a subscription to platforms like LinkedIn Learning or MasterClass.

21. Lunch with Leadership – Treat them to lunch with a senior leader.

22. Group Outing – Organize a fun team-building event like bowling or escape rooms.

23. Movie Day – Host a movie marathon with popcorn and snacks.

24. VIP Parking Spot – Give them a preferred parking space for a month.

25. Team Socials – Arrange happy hours or coffee meetups.

26. Handwritten Thank-You Notes – A personal, thoughtful message from management.

27. Customized “Thank You” Video – Have the team send a short video of gratitude.

28. Create a “Wall of Fame” – Dedicate a space in the office for showcasing employee accomplishments.

29. Personalized Certificate – Award them with a certificate that highlights their unique contributions.

30. Celebration Cake – Celebrate milestones or achievements with a cake in the office.

31. Special Projects – Assign them an exciting or high-visibility project.

32. Delegate a Fun Task – Let them take on a fun or creative task they enjoy.

33. Increased Autonomy – Allow them more decision-making power in their role.

34. Mentor New Hires – Let them take a leadership role in onboarding new employees.

35. Custom Work Assignments – Allow them to pick a project based on their interests.

36. Gym Memberships or Fitness Classes – Subsidize gym memberships or classes.

37. Healthy Snacks – Provide a stock of healthy snacks in the office.

38. Massage or Spa Day – Offer a voucher for a spa or massage.

39. Yoga Classes – Organize in-office or virtual yoga sessions.

40. Mental Health Support – Provide access to mental health resources like counseling.

41. Team Awards Ceremony – Host an annual event to honor employees.

42. Surprise Treats – Bring in breakfast or snacks for the team unexpectedly.

43. Thank-You Postcards – Send handwritten postcards with personalized messages.

44. Random Acts of Kindness – Give small, thoughtful surprises like coffee or snacks.

45. Employee-Run Clubs – Support and fund employee-run interest clubs or teams.

46. Office Games or Competitions – Organize friendly competitions or games (like trivia).

47. Customized Playlist – Curate a playlist for them based on their tastes or a work-related theme.

48. Office Decor – Let them choose a decoration or personalize their workspace.

49. Themed Day – Host a fun dress-up day (e.g., casual Fridays or costume days).

50. Celebration with a Team Meal – Order their favorite lunch or dinner for the whole team.

51. Birthday or Anniversary Celebrations – Recognize important milestones with a gift or celebration.

52. Milestone Celebrations – Celebrate personal achievements, like work anniversaries.

53. Send a Care Package – Include items they love or that represent appreciation.

Paul Marshall

Partner | HR Chief | FCPHR

With decades of Business and HR experience a HR Pro, corporate trainer, author and a welcomed and trusted business partner with commercial awareness and  expertise in people, performance and HR capabilities .

Author of:

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