Reinforcement Techniques in the Workplace: Improving Employee Onboarding and Attendance

QUESTION

Describe the use of reinforcement techniques in the workplace. There are 25 new hires, and they must finish a number of new hire onboarding chores like choosing a health insurance plan, setting up direct deposit, choosing a 401(k), and choosing federal, state, and local withholdings. Furthermore, they must submit their biweekly reports on time. After a while, you start to notice a lot of staff absenteeism on the Monday after the biweekly paycheck. As payday draws near, attendance seems to increase.

• Describe a fixed reinforcement schedule, a variable reinforcement schedule, a duration schedule, a response rate schedule, and a noncontingent reinforcement schedule. Explain how each works and when to use each one.
• Refer to the case above. Evaluate the best schedule of reinforcement for the initial paperwork and to get employees to turn in biweekly reports on time. Apply the schedule, explaining specifically how and when one could reinforce the employee. Be sure to provide the rationale.
• Discuss what seems to be happening with the employee absences (explain in terms of operant conditioning), and why it might be happening.
• Refer to the scenario above. Evaluate the best schedule of reinforcement to improve attendance. Apply the schedule, explaining specifically how and when it would be best to reinforce the employee, and provide the rationale.
• Explain how you would work to generalize the attendance behavior across time.
• Identify what sociocultural factors should be considered when trying to encourage better attendance.

ANSWER

Reinforcement Techniques in the Workplace: Improving Employee Onboarding and Attendance

Introduction

Reinforcement techniques are effective tools used in the workplace to motivate employees and shape desired behaviors. In this essay, we will explore various reinforcement schedules, their applications, and how they can be used to improve employee onboarding and attendance in a company with 25 new hires.

Types of Reinforcement Schedules

Fixed Reinforcement Schedule

A fixed reinforcement schedule delivers reinforcement after a consistent number of responses. For example, every time an employee completes a specific number of onboarding chores, they receive a reward, such as a gift card or bonus.

Variable Reinforcement Schedule

A variable reinforcement schedule provides reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses. For instance, employees might receive a bonus or recognition randomly after completing their biweekly reports on time.

Duration Reinforcement Schedule

A duration reinforcement schedule provides reinforcement after a specific period of time. For instance, employees who complete all their onboarding chores within a set timeframe might receive extra paid time off.

Response Rate Reinforcement Schedule

A response rate reinforcement schedule delivers reinforcement based on the speed or rate of responses. Employees who submit their biweekly reports ahead of the deadline might receive rewards or recognition.

Noncontingent Reinforcement Schedule

A noncontingent reinforcement schedule provides reinforcement regardless of the employees’ behavior. For instance, all new hires might receive a welcome gift on their first day.

Best Schedule of Reinforcement for Employee Onboarding and Biweekly Reports

To improve employee onboarding, a fixed reinforcement schedule is effective. Providing new hires with a clear and consistent reward for completing specific tasks encourages engagement and efficiency in their onboarding process.

To improve the timely submission of biweekly reports, a variable reinforcement schedule is preferable. The element of unpredictability adds an element of excitement and ensures continuous motivation for timely report submissions.

Employee Absences and Operant Conditioning

The pattern of staff absenteeism before payday indicates a reinforcement schedule at play. The employees’ behavior of being absent on Mondays after payday is likely due to a fixed reinforcement schedule where they receive their paycheck on Friday. Thus, being absent on Monday after payday provides them with an extended weekend, which is a reinforced behavior.

Best Schedule of Reinforcement to Improve Attendance

To improve attendance, a duration reinforcement schedule is suitable. Providing rewards or incentives for consistent attendance over a specified period can motivate employees to be present on Mondays after payday and beyond.

Generalizing Attendance Behavior

To generalize attendance behavior across time, consistency is key. Continuously reinforcing employees for attending work on Mondays and beyond will strengthen the desired behavior.

Sociocultural Factors for Encouraging Better Attendance

Sociocultural factors such as workplace culture, peer influence, and societal norms should be considered. Creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture, where attendance is valued and recognized, can promote better attendance. Peer support and positive reinforcement from colleagues can also influence attendance behavior positively.

Conclusion

Reinforcement techniques play a significant role in shaping employee behavior in the workplace. By strategically applying various reinforcement schedules, employers can enhance employee onboarding and attendance, creating a more engaged and productive workforce. Understanding operant conditioning principles and considering sociocultural factors are essential for designing effective reinforcement strategies that promote positive workplace behavior.