Page 36 - OHS, September 2024

TRAINING: INCENTIVES
collected and redeemed for rewards they “want” have been proven to work better than offering cash or items that people “need.” This can be confusing because employees will often say what they want for an incentive is “cash” or the equivalent (gift cards). However, cash is not what has been proven the most effective at driving be- havior.
■ Reward for specific behaviors, frequently. First, use an easy-to-administer reward “vehicle” that delivers smaller-value points that can then be collected over time to redeem a larger-value reward. Doing so will give you more bang for your buck. Game- cards containing points have been proven to work well for this. These cards/points should be attached to the weekly behaviors that lead to the desired end result.
■ Add Gamification: In today’s high-stimulation world, sim- ply dangling a merchandise “carrot” doesn’t work. Creating or se- lecting a program that has a game component will build teamwork and interaction between employees that boosts the safety culture and creates more safety banter in the organization.
■ Offer both individual rewards AND chances at big prizes: Over decades, strong data shows 50 percent of employees are more motivated by collecting points that will “for sure” result in a reward they can redeem. The other 50 percent? They are more motivated by a chance at a bigger grand prize. No fret, there are programs available on the market that include tickets or gamecards that de- liver both points and chances for national sweepstakes-type draw-
ing prizes or drawing prizes exclusive for your company.
■ Reward teams as well as Individuals: Once a rewarding ve- hicle such as a ticket or gamecard is in play and is attached to fall protection and other weekly safe behaviors, to maximize effective- ness, don’t forget to also reward these cards or points to teams that reach certain safety milestones or achieve their monthly goals of
high safety participation or achievement levels.
4. Monitor and Evaluate Program Performance
It does not need to be complicated, but add some simple sys- tems to track compliance with fall protection protocols. This can involve regular safety audits, inspections, and performance re- views. Collect the key data on how well employees are adhering to safety practices and use this information to evaluate the effective- ness of the incentive program.
Regularly review these performance metrics and make adjust- ments as necessary. For example, if certain safety practices are not improving as expected, consider revising the objectives or the in- centive reward criteria.
5. Show Commitment to Safety Culture
Incentives can motivate employees and take safety culture to a new level, but it’s important to show safety culture commitment from the beginning. Get upper management involved and have them help lead the way in communicating this. Encourage employ- ees to support each other in adhering to safety protocols and create an environment where safety is a shared responsibility. Including
34 Occupational Health & Safety | SEPTEMBER 2024
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