What drives employees to do great work? Recognition!
In a recent survey by the web organization Great Places to Work, employees listed “Recognize Me” as their most important driver – 3x higher than any other driver, and 5x higher than “Pay Me More.” If your organization doesn’t already have a Recognition Program, it’s time to get started.
Decide What You Want To Recognize
Nearly half of all organizations have a written plan for their Recognition Programs that is aligned with management strategies. Quality improvement, key customer retention, no lost time accidents, revenue growth. Whatever you choose to recognize makes your organization doubly effective. Employees push themselves to earn the Recognition Award while helping your organization hit annual or longer-term goals.
Set a budget. Some organizations allocate a specific dollar amount for each employee, generally from $50 – $250 per person. Or they budget a percentage of payroll – 0.3% is the norm. This doesn’t mean each employee will receive a recognition award during the year, but it reserves funds for program implementation.
Build Your Program
Length of Service is the occasion most commonly recognized by organizations. Here is a sample program to get you started.
- New Hires – Tell them you are excited to have them as part of your team. This can be something as simple as a pack of sticky notes that say “Welcome” along with your company’s logo. Or, if you promote a culture of reduce and reuse, a stainless steel water bottle with the company logo. Just make sure these new hire gifts are reserved only for new hires. If these start showing up on everyone’s desk, it reduces their impact.
- 1 Year Anniversary – You’re proud to have them, and they are proud to be here. Show the world how valuable your employees are with “A Year of Great Work” zip-up sweatshirt. Or keep it fresh and make it annual for all employment anniversaries with “A(nother) Year of Great Work” t-shirt. Award a different color each year and fellow employees will start to recognize how long team members have been with your organization.
- 5 Year Anniversary – Your employee has already demonstrated they are a valuable asset to your organization. Now it’s time to start recognizing their individual motives toward success. Are they a fitness buff? How about a new gym bag, or an activity tracker wristband? Are they a foodie? How about a marble cheeseboard and knife set? You want these recognition gifts to be something that bears your company’s logo, but that your employee will proudly use in their favorite non-work pastime.
- A Company Store is a great way to let the employee choose what matters most. Provide a “recognition currency” based on their service anniversary.
- 10 Year Anniversary – This is a milestone, especially in current work environments. This award should hold prestige for the employee while reflecting quality for the company. The gold watch might be a bit cliché, or it might be exactly what your employee wants! Keep with a theme – add pocket watches, bracelets, or a purse as Company Store options that are only available to long-term employees.
Everyday Recognition
Recognition shouldn’t only be tied to big events. A handwritten note is an easy way to boost people’s morale. Does your corporate mission or vision talk about valuing people? Custom print thank you notes to reinforce this organizational value. Make sure the note cards are accessible to everyone – so your employees can thank co-workers, customers, and maybe even their boss.
Imagine the meeting room chatter when an employee comes with a custom notepad that reads “I’m planning my next great accomplishment!” Small office items are a great way to show appreciation with things employees would use anyway. Just make sure you can point to a specific contribution you are recognizing. Overuse decreases the value of these types of awards.
Let’s Get Started
What items should you include in your Recognition Program? Start with occasions your organization has decided to recognize and your budget. Then try an informal survey of a few new and old employees to see what they would find meaningful.
A unique Recognition Award is easily remembered and more fun to receive.
- What is the hottest gift that sold out everywhere last holiday season? How do you incorporate it into your recognition program?
- A team goal looming close? Try a mid-year reminder with a deck of cards that say “We’re Upping Our Game.”
- Is there a new security program that requires employees to wear a badge? How about a colorful lanyard that says “I didn’t forget my card this time.”
- Is there a corporate waste reduction program this year? Get employees to live it at home with tote bags for groceries or day-to-day necessities.
If you don’t already have a Company Store, consider starting one to aid in your Recognition Program. If you have one, give it a refresh with new merchandise that can double as customer gifts and employee incentives.
Recognition is a great tool for employee motivation and retention. You want both the giving and receiving to be open to everyone. But, make sure all managers and team leads have a guideline for showing recognition. While appreciation is very personal, employees must also feel it is equitable to avoid a positive-gone-wrong.
