Many employers want to know, how can I re-energize my team and increase the overall productivity of my company? Well, the very best way to do this is through employee incentives. Some companies will actually pay off your interest if you buy a hybrid car and strive to drive green. Some companies will actually give you environmentally-friendly automotive parts for your vehicle if the goal is to be greener. And others will add a $200 dollar bonus on each month’s paycheck if you reduce emissions and ride you bike to work ever day. There are plenty of tactics out there, but some incentive programs work better than others.

Here is a list of some of the best employee incentive ideas out there today.

1. Point System: For hourly employees, you can offer up a point system that is tied to prizes. This not only re-energizes the first-tier employees, it also creates a more competitive working atmosphere that is likely to spur productivity. For workers on salary you could offer large prizes based on a “points lottery” or simply allow for extra days off or an extra 15-minute break or two.

2. Service Anniversaries: To recognize your company’s anniversaries adds that much needed personal tough. Why not send out thank you cards to all of your employees to show your gratitude? It could also be an email, just a little message showing your employees that their service matters to the company. This is also beneficial cause it can breakdown barriers as far as status, salary, and pride.

3. Project Completion Rewards: For higher level employees, recognition should take place depending on how well one performs. A good employer will reward their employees who complete a project with high quality, or meet certain requirements by going above and beyond. You can give out gift certificates, plaques, or recognize them as “employee of the month” to keep everyone’s accomplishments at a high.

Be sure to check out the Best Employee Incentives- Part Two for more ideas.