Is your employee incentive program limited to handing out Christmas cards in bulk that have the company name stamped inside rather than a signature and contain a gift certificate for a turkey?
This example may seem ridiculous but it still happens. There are many reasons why that approach doesn’t work and, frankly, is insulting to your employees. Read on for advice on motivating your multicultural team.
1. Get personal. Research shows that the best motivator is a boss who takes a sincere interest in his or her employees. People from many cultures are more motivated by a warm, “family” atmosphere than they are by monetary incentives.
2. Communicate. A truly effective multicultural team is one that openly discusses the project, outcome goals, and concerns. When team members are asked their opinion and given some control over their assignments they will be motivated to be successful.
3. Customize. The Christmas card/turkey certificate incentive sent out en masse is very impersonal and could even be offensive to multicultural team members who don’t celebrate Christmas. Find out what holidays they do observe and customize the incentive. An office fiesta for Cinco de Mayo could be fun.
Other ideas for non-monetary incentives include:
• Staff meetings at a nice restaurant
• Staff get-togethers outside the office. Have a barbeque, go bowling or arrange a cooking class
• Close the office at the end of a project and give team members the day off
Finding effective incentives for a multicultural team doesn’t need to be tricky; get in touch with your employees and get creative!
Remember...You Are a Super Hero!
Jinsoo
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