What Are Some Examples of Incentives?

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Examples of incentives in a workplace include recognition incentives, appreciation incentives, reward incentives and compensation incentives. An incentive is an event, object, item of value or an action that is intended to spur an employee to work hard. Employers use incentives to boost workplace performance and productivity of employees.

Compensation incentives may include salary increases, profit-sharings, stock options and bonuses. Recognition incentives often include praising an employee, giving an employee a certificate of achievement and thanking an employee. Reward incentives include items such as gifts, gift certificates, monetary rewards and service awards. Appreciation incentives may involve events such as sporting activities, company parties, group lunches and birthday parties.