RnR full form in HR is rewards and recognition.
What is rewards and recognition?
In Human Resources (HR) management, "Rewards and Recognition" refers to the strategies, policies, and practices aimed at compensating and acknowledging employee performance and contributions to the organization.
The concept goes beyond just financial rewards like salary or bonuses to include a variety of methods that recognize and appreciate employees' efforts, thereby increasing job satisfaction, motivation, and overall employee engagement.
Objectives of rewards and recognition (RnR)
The primary objectives of a Rewards and Recognition program can include:
Motivating employees
To boost productivity, encourage initiative, and foster innovation.
Attracting talent
A robust program can act as an incentive for top talent to join the organization.
Retention
Keeps employees satisfied, thereby reducing turnover rates.
Culture building
Creates a positive work environment that values and celebrates individual and team achievements.
Difference between rewards and recognition
| Aspect | Rewards | Recognition |
| Nature | Tangible | Often Intangible |
| Form | Monetary, Non-Monetary Benefits | Praise, Acknowledgment, Titles |
| Timing | Periodic (e.g., monthly, quarterly, annually) | Can be Immediate or Sporadic |
| Objective | Compensate for services rendered | Acknowledge and appreciate efforts |
| Measurement | Quantifiable metrics | Qualitative measures |
| Examples | Salary, Bonuses, Benefits | "Employee of the Month," Thank-You Notes |
| Impact | Typically affects livelihood | Affects job satisfaction, emotional well-being |
| Communication | Usually formal, through official documents | Can be formal or informal, verbal or written |
| Criteria | Based on KPIs, performance metrics | Often discretionary, based on perceived value or contribution |
| Customization | Usually standardized for roles or performance levels | Highly customizable, individualized |
| Alignment with Organizational Goals | Financial incentives often tied to specific organizational targets | More likely to be linked to cultural or team-building goals |
| Tax Implications | Often subject to taxation | Usually not taxable |
| Longevity | Often long-term and continuous | Often long-term and continuous |
| Visibility | May or may not be public | Often public within the organization |
Types of rewards and recognition in HR
Understanding the different types of rewards and recognition helps HR teams design programs that meet diverse employee needs.
Monetary rewards
Monetary rewards are tangible incentives linked directly to performance and outcomes.
Examples include:
- Performance bonuses
- Sales incentives
- Profit-sharing plans
- Gift vouchers or cash rewards
These rewards are often structured, measurable, and tied to KPIs.
Non-monetary rewards
Non-monetary rewards focus on employee experience rather than direct financial gain.
Examples include:
Such rewards are increasingly popular as part of modern rewards and recognition programs.
Formal recognition
Formal recognition is planned, documented, and often organisation-wide.
Examples:
- Employee of the Month
- Annual performance awards
- Service milestone recognition
Informal recognition
Informal recognition is spontaneous and frequent.
Examples:
- Appreciation emails
- Public praise during meetings
- Peer-to-peer recognition on internal platforms
This form of recognition has a strong emotional impact and boosts everyday motivation.
Download our Rewards and Recognition Policy to create or refine your organization’s RnR framework.
Examples of rewards and recognition programs
Here are practical examples of rewards and recognition in HR that organisations commonly implement:
- Spot awards for immediate employee recognition of exceptional work
- Employee recognition programs where employees nominate colleagues
- Performance-based annual rewards linked to appraisals
- Wellness-based rewards, such as fitness benefits or mental health support
- Innovation awards to encourage creative problem-solving
These programs help reinforce positive behaviour while aligning employee efforts with business goals.
How HR can measure the success of rewards and recognition
To evaluate the effectiveness of rewards and recognition programs, HR teams should track measurable outcomes such as:
- Employee engagement scores
- Attrition and retention rates
- Productivity and performance metrics
- Participation rates in RnR programs
- Feedback from employee surveys
Tracking these KPIs helps HR refine rewards and recognition strategies and demonstrate ROI to leadership.