Fundamentally, a recognition program can be on one extreme or the other when it comes to being paper-based and online-based; often though the program will lie between the two extremes. When a client of mine is setting up a program one question that I like to bring up is the way in which the recipient will interact with the program. The best way to determine which method to use is to consider the accessibility of computers to recipients and their preferences. This may be decided using demographics or basing the decision on a desire to give recognition to recipients at work.
Paper-based employee recognition programs will generally involve catalogs within a keepsake package that may include a personalized letter or a certificate of appreciation. A recipient may be given the memento at a ceremony or receive it at his or her home address. The personal touch can leave a more lasting memory of an anniversary milestone. Some recipients may prefer paper-based recognition programs as they are usually easier for people to just fill out the order form and mail-in the award selection.
On the other hand, online-based employee recognition programs have a faster redemption process and will contain a frequently updated online catalog. In addition, this method will generally cost less than paper-based recognition programs. Online recognition reward programs allow administrative personnel to access reports, track the redemptions that have taken place and retrieve other key program statistics. Online recognition programs usually allow for open content so that they can integrate other features into the website such as annual satisfaction surveys, online award nominations for annual reviews…really the content is endless. Another bonus of online recognition programs is that email communications can be used to congratulate a recipient on his or her birthday, thank recipients on their annual anniversaries, etc.
For most companies in need of an effective employee award program, a combination can be used to ensure that all demographics are able to interact and have a great experience with the recognition program. One client of mine is in the therapy and rehabilitation industry and decided to start a hybrid online and paper recognition program for their employees. On an employee’s milestone anniversary he or she would receive a presentation package at work that included a keepsake folder, a personalized letter, a certificate of appreciation, a print catalog collection and an order form with instructions for both mail-in and online redemption. Recipients could log into a customized website and browse the online catalog for the most current and updated merchandise selection and place an order. Alternatively, he or she could browse the print catalog and mail in the order form for processing. In addition, company administrators could log into the website and access reports anytime on who had redeemed and who had yet to.
Giving recipients the choice of how to redeem their gift is an added comfort that will help to ensure that everyone who receives a gift takes advantage of it. By combining online and paper programs, companies can ensure that their recognition program is a success among recipients. When companies use recognition programs to raise employee attitude and improve employee job satisfaction, according to a 2005 Gallup survey, they will also have 38% higher customer satisfaction scores, 22% higher productivity which translates into 27% higher profit than companies who do not utilize recognition programs. Engaging recipients with both traditional and online recognition programs will in turn help to ensure the success of the company, thus it becomes a reward in itself.
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