We recently had encouraging feedback from one of our clients who started a recognition program for years of service. This company kicked-off their program in September and had not had a recognition program previously. We received a call from a manager who happened to stop by the home office during and award ceremony. People were so touched after receiving their awards “grown men were crying” she relayed.
As an account manager here at Awards Network, these stories are music to our ears. We know the programs we design and set up could be beneficial to employees but it comes full circle when we hear positive feedback after employees have been recognized.
This particular company was awarding employees who had been working for upwards of 40 years with this employer and had never received recognition. I know the joy was overwhelming that day for many of those people who had worked most of their life and had finally been recognized.
At the ceremony the employees received an award packet with personalized components. Our contact told us she walked around the office and saw many people framing their entire award booklet, cover and all! Not only did these employees receive a frame-able object for their workspace but they also received a tangible gift of their choosing. I can only assume the joy of this day was then shared with friends and family when the employee sat down to select their gift.
OK, enough with the warm and fuzzies. I hope this story hits home with HR managers who are thinking about implementing a recognition program for their employees. I can’t stress enough how common these reactions are in other companies we work with.
I believe there are 2 extremely important points in this story. Employees where recognized publically. The entire office could share in the excitement and accomplishments of their fellow coworkers. This boosts morale and encourages employees to continue working hard to attain those recognition goals. Second, the employees received a tangible gift. Not only did they receive awards to frame for their workspace, but they were given the option to select a gift of their choice.
I have a strong feeling if we were to ask the employees of that company a year ago if they felt recognized, they would have said no. I can guarantee you today and for years to come that work environment has and will benefit from these recognition awards and ceremonies. These gifts will have a treasured place in homes and families will feel proud of their loved ones.