Just finished reading a blog entry from Project Management Knowledge – “Reducing Project Team Stress” it caught my eye because we wrote about Work Life Balance following the results of our Project Management Survey at the beginning of 2008 – still available here – in particular an article about stress in project management. The Knowledge article talks about building positive relationships with the team, avoiding burnout yourself as a Project Manager and other general comments about the softer skills required when managing the project team. One area which was explored was rewards – how rewarding the team can help reduce stress. “Recognize accomplishments with positive feedback and possibly provide bonuses, prizes or awards for excellent work. Also, consider reviewing salaries if performance warrants.” I think it’s worth adding to this and quite possibly could be one of the best rewards a stressed out team could receive – time off!
Now for people used to working within a flexi time work environment, this is probably something that happens frequently, but what about the private sector counterparts? Do project teams in that sector receive time off as a recognition of the hard work they’ve put into to a particular project? (one that could be potentially earning the organisation £££ in additional revenues) In my previous role within the private sector it was very much – pat on the back, bonus to say thanks and then shipped off to the next project.
I would be interested to hear from other project managers on how they have chosen to reward their team – and did you have to battle hard to get that reward from senior management on your teams behalf? In fact, the next time you’ve successfully closed a high profile project and you’re basking in the appreciative noises from the management team, stick your neck out and see how just how appreciative they are of you and your team and ask for that post project holiday bonus!
