3 Ways to Keep Your A-Players Motivated

Sally Horwood • May 13, 2020

3 Ways to Keep Your A-Players Motivated When a Raise or Promotion Isn’t an Option

Almost every business I’ve spoken to is doing it tough at the moment, and all are trying desperately hard to keep their doors open and staff employed. However, many HR teams and Line Managers are still having to continue their BAU activities, and as we move closer to the new financial year, budgeting and salary reviews will soon (if not already) be on the agenda. As it is survival mode for most, promotions and pay increases will be out of the question – but keeping all employees, and our top performers, engaged is incredibly important. Below are three ideas to recognise and reward those who deserve it.

1. Recognise them and their efforts: Recognition can hold as much power as a pay bump, particularly if it is personalised to the employee and their achievements. Some individuals don’t like public recognition so it’s best to assess first how they respond to praise, but most will appreciate a detailed shout out on the monthly Zoom meeting or a post on the company’s Teams channel.

2. Empower with new skills and responsibilities: Sit down and understand your team member’s short- and long-term goals and do what you can to improve their skillset. If external training is off the cards, see if they can be exposed to other teams or responsibilities (if that’s of interest) or greater autonomy and ownership for future projects.

3. Identify other perks: Before COVID, the ability to work from home was a huge benefit. Now that we’re all stuck at home it’s not as tantalising, but there are other options, such as longer lunch breaks, half days on Fridays, or flexible start and finish times (if that’s not part of your company’s culture already).

When someone goes above and beyond, they deserve to be rewarded for it. However, if budgets are tight, HR and Line Manager’s need to be creative to keep their star employees engaged. Fostering a company culture of recognition and encouraging upskilling isn’t just a short-term option, it can improve work satisfaction and organisational citizenship in the long run as well.

Grow your career and team
Get in touch with Frog Recruitment

Auckland
   I  Wellington


In business since 2002 in New Zealand, Frog Recruitment is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. Located across Auckland and Wellington, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 RCSA Excellence in Candidate Care Award, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.

Recent articles

By Frog Recruitment December 7, 2025
A clear, practical guide to understanding post-employment obligations in New Zealand, exploring restraints, non-solicitation and non-dealing clauses, and how employers can protect their business while staying compliant.
By Shannon Barlow December 7, 2025
Explore how evolving job scope, also known as ghost growth, is reshaping employee expectations and workplace dynamics, and learn practical strategies for recognising and supporting modern role evolution.
By Shannon Barlow November 30, 2025
A clear and practical overview of why burnout is rising across New Zealand, what workers are experiencing, and the steps leaders can take to strengthen wellbeing, connection, and resilience within their teams.
By Frog Recruitment November 23, 2025
A detailed look at New Zealand’s shifting labour market, exploring regional differences, industry trends, and why the South Island is driving job growth. Includes insights on talent availability, hiring timing, and the latest data shaping employer decisions for 2025.
By Shannon Barlow November 16, 2025
New Zealand CEOs are signalling renewed confidence in hiring for 2025. While growth is gradual, leaders are planning for strategic expansion, investing in skills, and balancing optimism with realism in a changing job market.

Latest PR features