Problem
As I grow in my career, I am starting to realize how critical non-monetary rewards are. Of course, money is always a great reward, but there will be times it is not in the company to compensate when there is a change in workload. My company has a platform called "Called to Shine", where employees can recognize each other for their excellent work. There is an option when you acknowledge someone; it is visible to all employees, and you receive points that can be cashed out at the end of the year. This platform is a fun way to recognize employees without spending money. If I had a change in workload, this is one of the several ways I would like to be rewarded.
Another way I would like to be rewarded is to flex my hours on Friday. Since I have a heavier workload, there is a possibility I am working longer hours during the week. I would appreciate it if my manager allowed me to leave work early on a Friday. The easiest way to motivate me would be to talk about how much they appreciate my work. I feel this is the simplest thing to do to make employees happy, but this is indeed lacking from my manager.
You are that person's boss. Consider two things about the situation:
a) What elements might need to be in your relationship to set the groundwork to even make the ask? How could you have created these?
b) What specifically would you say or ask to get them motivated to help you out? Include your request for additional hours and script your actual discussion.