I came across a startling fact the other day on Law Department Management; on average only one in four employees at law firms is truly engaged. Gallup research has shown that engaged employees are “more productive, profitable, safer, create stronger customer relationships, and stay longer with their company than less engaged employees.” One of the best ways to improve employee engagement at a law firm is by recognizing and rewarding employees with a recognition program.
I have quite a few clients in the legal industry with employee recognition programs. Years of service, outstanding performance and customer service recognition awards are the most common types of recognition awards that clients in this industry utilize to recognize employee achievements and highlight contributions to peers and partners alike.
Most often law firm clients of mine hold formal year end recognition award ceremonies where recipients are presented with a recognition package. These recognition award packages are customized with the law firm’s logo and consistent with the firm’s branding. The recognition award packages are also personalized with the recipient’s name and accomplishment as a special touch.
Inside the award package, there is a recognition letter signed by the senior partners of the law firm. This letter is often personalized and details why the employee is being recognized and how his or her personal achievements contributed to the success of the company. Next, a certificate of appreciation suitable for framing is included in the recognition award package. The certificate is also signed by the senior partners of the firm and is often a keepsake item that reminds the recipient of their recognition and accomplishment. An award catalog with over 70 lifestyle merchandise items and an order form is also included in the recognition package.
Another way that clients of mine in the legal industry recognize employees on a more frequent basis is to present them with on the spot recognition award cards. On the spot recognition is a great idea to reinforce a desired behavior immediately after (hence “on the spot”) the behavior is observed. Recognition award cards can be customized and are often a fun design so that the card is carried by the recipient in his or her wallet or purse as a reminder of the accomplishment for time to come. The back of the recognition award card has online ordering instructions and a security feature so that the card cannot be duplicated or reused.
Throughout any given year there are many reasons for which employees should be thanked and recognized. By instituting a recognition program at the end of the year featuring recognition award packages or by recognizing employees throughout the year with on the spot award cards, a law firm can easily manage to thank its employees for all of their contributions to the firm. Consistent recognition and feedback makes providing either one of these recognition program solutions an effective way to improve employee engagement and retention in the long run.
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