In Six Sigma architecture, having a rewards and recognition policy in place is equally important. In bringing about changes in the system smoothly, rewards and recognition can play a very important role. If employees feel that their initiatives are being recognized, they will come forward with suggestions for improvement.

If a person working on a particular process has some problems, and if they feel encouraged to make suggestions, they will be interested in taking a change further. They would feel that the change is for the better and that it will not be of any harm to their status in the organization.

If the person in question studies the process properly, comes up with a good idea and is recognized for the effort, they will feel involved in the entire process and accept the new process easily.

Rewards could be in the form of small gifts in front of colleagues or cash rewards to a certain level. The other advantage of having a reward policy is that it will encourage others to participate in the process as well.

However, it should not create a winner-and-loser scenario in the organization.

The Different Levels of Rewards

There could be different rewards for different levels of people. Rewards can be for certain achievements in the project or for a unique initiative. For Green Belts, depending upon the size of the project and if it has been implemented perfectly, rewards such as gift certificates or cash rewards can be very motivating.

Along with this, recognition of employees' achievements in front of their peers is much more effective than even a monetary amount. Efforts should be made to congratulate employees in team meetings for the efforts that they make on a project.

Salaries and Bonuses for Black Belts

For Black Belts and Master Black Belts, companies can tie their salary or bonus structure to the various benefits that they have brought about from their various projects. Productivity, reduced losses and improved quality can be factors to determine their rewards.

For one and all any reward, big or small, is motivating enough if handed over with acknowledgement from management and colleagues. Even Quality leaders, Champions and CEOs should be recognized for their efforts.

At the completion of the Six Sigma Project, having a luncheon celebration with all employees will prove motivating to the team.

Six Sigma Team Involvement

The involvement of team members and other employees in the planning and execution of a program is very useful. To engage people in such efforts, a recognition program is in order. HR can play a relevant role in this process. With the support of the HR department, teams can set up the appropriate system for rewarding and recognizing their employees.

With their support, senior management can set up the structure for compensating or rewarding employees with raises or bonuses. They can even help in developing a non-monetary reward system.

Reward and recognition is a very important and useful part of Six Sigma architecture. The proper, careful and systematic use of the same can prove to be very motivating for the employees and ultimately lead to success of the Six Sigma project.