In Praise of Employee Recognition Programs

With Employee Recognition Day coming up on Friday, we’d like to recommend this great article posted at WorldatWork.org‘s Workspan Weekly on how to maintain a meaningful recognition program even in these trying economic times:

“Revving Up Your Recognition Program During a Recession” by By Tyler Gentry, and Linda Vossen

We whole-heartedly believe in employee recognition programs as a worthwhile way to bolster company moral, improve employee relations and increase the retention of your most valuable workers. These programs can become even more meaningful during a recession, when layoffs and cutbacks make for a sensitive and worried workforce. These programs don’t have to be elaborate or expensive either. They just have to be meaningful and express your appreciation for a job well done. Some simple ideas include:

• surprise your staff with a bagel & muffin buffet in the morning
• bring in a masseur/masseuse to provide mini massages to the staff
• give gift cards to a local merchant or restaurant
• leave movie passes in each employee’s in box with a thank you note
• have a “team photo luncheon” then post the pictures in your office’s break area>

One of our all-time favorite reward programs comes from long-time client Dan’s Camera City in Allentown. “Dan’s hired us to do some Mystery Shopping, where we acted as customers and reported on the service we received,” says Tina Hamilton, PHR, owner of hireVision. “When the employee would get a good rating from the Mystery Shopper, Dan’s would reward that team member for their outstanding service. In effect, it was a combined service check and employee recognition program.”

Do you have a great employee recognition idea to share? Please let us know in the comments below!