Employers know that their employees perform and thrive better in a work environment that not only promotes their well-being but also recognizes their good work. Rewarded behavior is perceived as desired behavior and employees are more likely to perform better when their productivity is encouraged and recognized. A well-chosen employee rewards program goes a long way to help establish an employer’s work standards and provide a means by which employees gauge their performance.

Here are 5 ways to reward employees for their hard work and motivate them to do even better. Our recommendations are arranged from the most affordable to the more premium types but each is guaranteed to make company employees look forward to the awards they so deserve.

Snack Box
Snack boxes contain a selection of snacks that can range anywhere from chips and cookies to candies and bars. Virtually anything goes. Snacks may be sourced locally or from all around the world. Snack boxes are fun, thoughtful, and tasty treats to present to an employee for a job well done. Snack boxes from Snacks With Bite are great as a reward for one employee or for a group. It can even be made into a monthly reward, which works well for productivity- or results-based work. A snack box is an affordable, customizable, and fun way to tell an employee they are a valued member of your organization.

Time Off
Although time off is a company benefit that all qualified employees earn, extra vacation leave credits go the extra mile. Time off is one of the most popular non-monetary rewards for excellent work performance. Many employees spend majority of their time at work and would appreciate some time off to spend with themselves, their families or friends simply to have fun, rest, take up a hobby, or go on a short trip.

Paid-For Training
Training as a way to reward employees was once an underrated strategy for many companies. Some employees may even view it as a cumbersome activity – something that gets in the way of their job. However, training holds an intangible value that later translates to all-important tangibles. With relevant and timely training, employees become more informed, more knowledgeable, and more skillful at performing their job. Work-related training is also a great way for employees to learn skills that could qualify them for a better position or even a promotion.

Event Tickets
Another great way to reward employees who have shown exceptional performance is a chance to see or participate in an important event. Tickets give the employee access to fun events such as a sports game, movies, concerts, and festivals. If a truly premium experience is preferred, the employer may even choose to provide VIP access to a special event where an employee can enjoy special privileges for a day.

The type of events may even be categorized depending on the type of reward that an employer wishes to give away. An employee who has reached a certain level of productivity, for example, may receive a higher value ticket. With graduated rewards, employees can look forward to a number of options while ensuring that their performance is up to par.

Incentive Travel
This employee reward is admittedly the most expensive in this list but it can be a very effective way to increase motivation and encourage productivity among workers. Incentive travel is not just a reward but also an experience. It can consist of a short trip, one that involves a location within the city or town where the employee works or a longer trip to another city, state, or even country. Many companies reward their most valued employees with paid-for vacations as a way to show appreciation for completing a goal. Vacations are often given away as a sales incentive by many companies to their employees and employers often use it to reward exceptional results.