The Effect of non-financial incentives on employee performance among real estate companies in Nairobi County

Abstract

Employee performance plays a crucial role in driving organizational success, particularly in the dynamic real estate sector in Kenya. Despite the emphasis on financial incentives, non-financial incentives have gained attention as a key factor in improving employee motivation and productivity. This study sought to establish the effect of non-financial incentives on employee performance among real estate companies within Nairobi County. Specifically, it examined the influence of training opportunities, staff recognition, flexible work schedules, and staff empowerment on employee performance. The study employed descriptive cross-sectional research design, targeting a population of 450 top management staff in real estate companies within Nairobi County. A sample size of 212 respondents was used. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires, focusing on quantitative measures of the identified variables. The collected data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0, enabling the study to establish relationships between the various non-financial incentives and employee performance. The study findings showed that training opportunities have a significant positive influence on employee performance in real estate companies. In addition, the study found out that employee recognition programs have a significant positive influence on employee performance in real estate companies. Also, the study findings demonstrated that flexible work arrangements have a significant positive influence on employee performance in real estate companies. Lastly, the study findings showed that employee empowerment has a significant positive influence on employee performance in real estate companies. This study recommended that real estate companies enhance employee training, recognition, flexible work arrangements, and empowerment strategies to optimize performance. The study also recommended that organizations should implement structured training programs, transparent and merit-based recognition initiatives, balanced flexible work policies, and empowerment-driven management approaches to foster motivation, productivity, and long-term organizational success. Additionally, it was the recommendation of the study that continuous evaluation and alignment of these strategies with business objectives and employee needs are essential, and that regular assessments of training relevance, recognition fairness, flexible work impact, and empowerment effectiveness will ensure sustained employee engagement, innovation, and overall company growth. Key Words: Non-Financial Incentives, Employee Performance, Real Estate Companies, Training Opportunities, Staff Recognition, Flexible Work Schedules, Staff Empowerment