Q&A: Ramp up rewards to motivate your veterinary team

Q: Other than bonuses or financial incentives, how can I reward team members for a job well done?

People love recognition, says Veterinary Economics Editorial Advisory Board member Dr. Marty Becker, writer, speaker, and resident veterinarian for Good Morning America. One easy way to acknowledge a hard-working team member: Give him or her a title. You could promote a technician to "head technician" or make your bookkeeper the "office manager." Even if it doesn't come with a raise, the new title will improve the team member's self-esteem, says Dr. Becker, who works as an associate at North Idaho Animal Hospital in Sandpoint, Idaho, and at Lakewood Animal Hospital in Couer d'Alene, Idaho.

Also, find little things you can do to show team members you care. For instance, when was the last time you sent one of them a birthday card? "As you age, people forget about your birthday or other special days," Dr. Becker says. "Whether it's the birth of a baby, an anniversary, or some other achievement, celebrate it."

Dr. Becker has also used "good job bucks" to reward employees. Here's how it works: Each person receives five "bucks" with his or her paycheck. When an employee notices a coworker going beyond the call of duty, he or she gives the team member a good job buck. At the end of the month, the team member with the most bucks is named employee of the month and given a prime parking spot.

Make it your goal to constantly catch employees doing things the right way, then recognize them for it. "This will really pay off if you like being part of a winning team," Dr. Becker says.