Creative incentives for your creative department

Creatives are a passionate bunch. After all, their work is subject to extreme amounts of scrutiny, and they usually put in long hours revising drafts. It can drain their spirits and prevent them from tapping into their creative juices. In order to keep artistic employees on target and happy with their career choices, it is up to their managers to find ways to reward and fuel their fire beyond a typical paycheck.

It can be hard to settle on a perfect way to show appreciation for your creative department. It is easy to stuff an envelop with a bonus or a thank you card, but usually something tangible is more impacting. That's why many managers have turned to group outings or paid days off as incentive for creative workers to keep with it and push through the hard times.

In a 2008 study by American Express Incentive Services, researchers found that money isn't the most effective way to demonstrate appreciation for a job well-done. In fact, personal rewards are preferred, as they are a lasting reminder of achievement.

Managers should look to express their gratitude in ways that will interest their department. It is important to remind creative workers that they are appreciated in the office, as they often get told to revise their work several times. Getting to know your team will help shed some light on what will spark their creative juices and get them back on the road to success.

Companies have flirted with ideas of group gatherings, paid time off and gift cards, which have proven to be effective. However, one of the best ways to show that you truly appreciate the work begin produced is by entering competitions in your field. Submitting your employees' work and receiving national recognition for entries can boost morale and show your creative department that you are taking a personal interest in their careers, even if they don't win first prize If your team's work wins an award, celebrating achievements can help bring the whole department together.

While gathering at local pubs after work can also create an environment where employees and managers can bond, it can also be beneficial to have days in the office devoted to brainstorming and collaboration. Not every day needs to be hands-on and stressful. Taking one day out of each month to check in on associates and the problems they are having with certain clients can demonstrate that you, as a manager, care about their success and want to see them positively benefit from their job.