Set reachable yet challenging goals and benchmarks for achievement

Set and share a reachable goal that challenges employees, and budget for rewarding them. Encourage ownership by dangling an incentive "carrot" or award. This can be as simple as giving someone an engraved nameplate for their desk once they successfully reach their 90-day probation.

I recommend: Download a demo of MindSolve's Goal Alignment and Accountability program.

Schedule an annual (or seasonal, or quarterly) recognition event

You may already have an annual tradition, such as a Christmas party. But try establishing a new tradition, such as a quarterly cookout. A regularly scheduled event gives people something to look forward to and allows employees to see their peers acknowledged.

I recommend: Numerous vendors offer promotional plaques and awards. A few to consider include: Awards Zone, Artistic Awards, Quick Trophy, Martin Awards, McAeiro, MGA Graphics and Delp's Awards.

Find different categories for excellence

Go outside the box to recognize unique achievements. For example, if spirit and attitude are what differentiate support or customer service employees, establish a "That's the Spirit Award."

I recommend: Go to World Class Awards to order gold metal pins engraved with phrases like Attitude, Quality, Cut Above, Customer Service Excellence in Action, Record Sales or MVP. Gimmees.com offers tote bags, pens and imprinted items that can serve as a badge of honor for the employee carrying them.

Enlist the help of professionals

If you have a large budget (or lack manpower to devote to the project), use a company to help manage incentive programs.

I recommend: Select-Your-Gift can create a program that allows employees to choose from an album of awards. Get a menu of companies to choose from at Employee Incentive.