It is already the time of year when HR managers working for companies of all sizes begin to scramble for employee recognition award ideas to suit their specific needs. Considering that most employers have had to deal with lower budgets and fewer workers, the stress and demands placed on survivor employees makes planning an end of year recognition awards program particularly challenging and important this year. Finding an appropriate way to recognize employees depends on the size, structure and culture of an organization.
Pubic Recognition Events
Gathering all employees for a single year end recognition award ceremony is an excellent method for recognizing employees in front of peers and boosting employee morale. From formal award ceremony dinners to an informal get together, public recognition is a common way for companies to recognize employees at the end of the year. Recognition award events are a good fit for small businesses or organizations with several locations where bringing together a group of employees is feasible budget wise.
According to a Gallup Poll from 2008, the top motivator for employees is public praise and recognition, making public recognition one of the best ways to increase employee engagement and boost morale.
One-on-One Recognition Meetings
Holding one-on-one recognition meetings is a common way for managers to recognize employees and present workers with a personalized recognition award in a private setting. This employee recognition method works best in organizations with multiple locations or in companies where an employee reports directly to one particular manager. In addition, one-on-one recognition may be the preferred method for delivering praise in a private setting as opposed to a large gathering if a manager is aware of an employee’s shyness.
Many of my clients select this employee recognition method as a way to provide personalized recognition and customized recognition awards to workers. Managers can write an employee recognition letter for each of the employees who report to them and cite specific incidents for which recognition is deserved. Usually the recognition letter is part of an employee recognition award packet containing a certificate of appreciation suitable for framing, a recognition award gift collection and an order form. All of the pieces of the recognition award packet are customized with the company’s artwork and personalized with the employee’s name for a special touch.
Mailed Recognition Letters or Employee Recognition Emails
Sometimes presenting recognition awards in person is not feasible and in these cases clients of mine tend to mail or email their recognition letters and award packages. Organizations with telecommuters and off-site workers tend to use this recognition method the most. Often a recognition award website is created for employees to view a recognition letter online and place their recognition gift order online as well. This allows employees to access the recognition program anywhere, anytime.
I hope this discussion helps you to end 2009 on a positive note by planning an employee recognition program that is both appropriate for your organization’s structure and culture while having the greatest impact possible for your specific budget. By thanking your survivor employees with sincere recognition award ideas, your company is recognizing the sacrifices made this year and helping to sustain employee engagement in the future.
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