Employee Recognition Awards - The Not-So-Silent Thank You

By: Robert Thomson Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Whether they're willing to admit it or not, every business owner knows that their business wouldn't survive - or at least wouldn't do as well - without their employees. For that matter, classes in Business Administration and Management teach that acknowledging employees for achievements is one of the best ways to keep production and morale up.

Now, although a handshake, smile and a "good job" are great, people like to know they really mean something to the company they work for. Are you having a problem with production or morale? For that matter, are your employees doing well? Do you want a great way to show your appreciation for all their hard work?

Employee Recognition Awards

Employee recognition awards are a great way to show that appreciation and boost morale. They can be awards to recognize an employee of the month, a loyal employee for many years or a sales superstar that's brought your company millions. Here are just a few ideas for when an award might come in handy:

The many possibilities...

- Career Employee - Employee recognition awards may be particularly special to "career" employees. Everybody has them. Many employees come and go, but career employees are there for the long haul. Awards can be a beautiful "thank you" for their long years of service. With the many types of materials used, you can have awards made to match their level of loyalty. For instance, you might use a glass plaque to commemorate their first five years and a crystal award for twenty-five.

- Employee of the Month - Many studies have shown that having an employee of the month starts a healthy level of competition in the work place. It also gives employees motivation to be more productive. This is especially true if the employees have something they can proudly show off for all their hard work. An employee recognition award, whether wood, glass or anything in between, will have them reaching for new heights!

- Sales Superstar - Do you have an employee that consistently sells your product? Have they reached beyond your expectations? An award with a shooting star will give them something to be proud of, as well as something that is instantly recognizable as a sign of appreciation. A monthly or yearly Sales Superstar award may be just the thing to shoot your employees - and your business - to the top.

- Achievements in Management - No matter how well your business is going, there's always room for improvement. Much of that improvement comes from the ideas and work ethics of management, whether bottom or top tier. As well, managers, like any employee, appreciate recognition. A managerial award for achievements "above and beyond" can be just the thing. Do you have a manager whose ideas have made a huge difference? Give them the recognition they deserve!

Tips for Employee Recognition and Awards

When you decide to give out employee recognition awards, it's imperative that you don't just pick someone out of the blue and hand the award to them. Remember, these awards positively reinforce actions and behaviors you want to see repeated. Here are five tips to remember and follow:

1. Everyone must be eligible for the employee recognition award. If it is an award for employee of the month, for example, any employee, from top tier to bottom, should be able to receive it. As well, if it is a managerial award, all managers should be eligible.

2. A set of established performance criteria should be set for each award you plan on giving out. It must be understood by the employees and management which behaviors and actions are being recognized.

3. The employee recognition award should be handed out as close as possible to the time the actions occurred to reinforce that behavior. If it is a monthly recognition have it on a set date, such as the last day of the month. If a salesperson makes a sale or number of sales that matches the criteria for an award, don't wait for several weeks.

4. Don't set employee recognition awards to a "vote". Letting employees vote for one another can lead to negative competition, negative feelings and favoritism.

5. Make sure that the employees understand the criteria for the awards. Otherwise, this can lead to a lower of morale - the opposite of what you're trying to do!

Employee recognition awards can be an effective way to boost morale, build healthy competition and raise motivation. Properly done, they can make all the difference in how your employees and business operate. However, don't forget the power of a "thank you" when handing them out!

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