…you’ve probably heard the saying “to each their own.”
Have you ever seen a company giveaway where the prize is a bottle of wine, but not everybody drinks? Or a gift card reward to a restaurant that nobody actually likes? Or a public recognition that embarrasses one of your shyer employees?
Understanding what motivates your employees is essential for fostering an engaged and productive workforce. Preference assessments offer a scientific approach to uncovering what each individual on your team finds reinforcing.
People are VERY different in what they like, and organizational incentives need to reflect that.
Preference assessments measure employees’ preferences for various rewards and reinforcers, allowing leaders to tailor incentive programs based on actual employee preferences rather than assumptions about what might motivate them.
Benefits of Preference Assessments:
- Customized Incentives: By identifying what motivates each employee or group within your organization, you can design more effective reward systems that resonate with their values.
- Increased Engagement: When employees feel their preferences are considered in incentive programs, they’re more likely to engage fully with their work and strive toward organizational goals.
- Improved Retention Rates: A motivated workforce tends to have lower turnover rates since employees feel valued and recognized for their contributions.
To implement preference assessments effectively:
- Conduct surveys or interviews asking employees about their preferred incentives.
- Analyze responses collectively while considering individual differences. What is both realistic and effective for your workforce?
- Use the findings to create diverse incentive options catering to varying preferences across teams or departments.
Tailoring your approach based on preference assessments can lead not only to improved performance but also greater overall satisfaction among employees at all levels of your organization. It’s a win-win.


