For awhile now I have encouraged clients to ask employees how they would like to be rewarded when they do something right. The process is to ask each employee to write a Wish List containing five ways they would like to be rewarded.

I do not recommend you send them to Europe or buy them a new car, but many people would like a specific gift card, one-on-one lunch with the boss, or something else that does not cost a lot of money, but is meaningful because it shows you gotten to know them as an individual.

In the last two weeks I spoke at the HTG Summit and THRIVE 2009. In both cases someone from the audience shared their firm has gone beyond Wish Lists to have a fun questionaire that gains personal insight to their employees. They ask questions about their favorites, such as their favorite cartoon character, non-alcoholic drink, automobile, person in history, activity or hobby... you get the idea. Any silly but politically correct question is okay.

One young woman at THRIVE shared they have appointed a Sunshine Committee which regularly recognizes employees with something from their list. For instance, when the employee arrives at work in the morning they may find their favorite cartoon character on their computer screen. They keep track of what they do for each employee to make certain they are recognizing all employees equally. Of course the members of the Sunshine Committee are naturally optimistic extroverts.

I suggest you give it a try to increase the fun factor and team vibes at your office.