Examples of Employee Recognition Programs to Drive Employee Engagement
Employee recognition programs are a great way to boost employee engagement and create a positive work environment. There are many different ways to implement these employee recognition examples, but here are some ideas for you to try.
Create an employee of the month program
To further promote the positivity of your workplace, consider creating an “Employee of the Month” program. This will allow you to recognize each outstanding employee for their hard work and dedication.
To do so, select one employee each month who has done something notable or above and beyond in their role. You should then give them a gift card or lunch with the CEO as a reward. Make sure you are consistent in your selection process so that there is no bias towards any one department over another (or manager vs non-manager).
Provide opportunities to win
One of the best ways to motivate your employees is by providing opportunities for them to win a prize. This can be done in a few different ways, such as:
- Giving away small prizes once or twice a month (like gift cards or even company swag).
- Holding contests with larger prizes at the end of each quarter.
- Offering bonus points or exclusive deals on products and services based on how much an employee buys from you throughout the year.
Whatever method you choose, it must be fair so no one feels left out. For example, if you’re giving away an iPad as a grand prize at the end of every quarter, anyone who has been with your company longer than three months should have just as much chance as anyone else of winning this award.
Give a personalized prize to employees that win in contests or meet goals
Give out a meaningful prize that is useful to the employee. If you want to motivate employees, give them things they will use. Giving away items like coffee mugs, pens and keychains doesn’t do much for your company’s bottom line and it won’t motivate your employees either. Instead, offer prizes that are relevant to their jobs or interests such as tickets for sporting events, movie vouchers, or gift cards for stores where they can buy clothes or other items on their wish lists.
Make sure the gift is not too expensive or difficult to give out. If you’re going to give gifts make sure they don’t cost too much money (or time) because then no one will bother giving them away again next year. Also, consider how easy it would be if someone else wanted one of these prizes. Are there any legal issues with giving this type of thing out? For example: Is there a minimum age requirement before someone can win an alcoholic beverage ticket? What happens if they lose their ticket after winning it? Make sure you have answers to these questions before giving out these types of personalized prizes.
Create a wall of fame
If you are looking for ways to recognize your employees, consider creating a wall of fame. This is an easy-to-realize idea that can inspire your team and keep them engaged in their work.
The wall of fame allows you to recognize employees who have been with the company for a long time, but it also allows you to acknowledge those who have only recently joined the team. It can be used as an opportunity to celebrate both loyalty and new energy within the organization. When it comes down to it, recognition is all about recognizing people’s efforts and achievements—and there are many ways in which employees can accomplish this on behalf of their company.
Create your company holidays
It’s important for your employees to feel like their workplace is an environment where they can get away from the daily grind and relax, so it’s up to you as an employer to make sure that happens. One way you can do this is by creating your company holidays.
Start a secret santa program for employees
Secret Santa is a fun way to encourage employees to get to know one another. The program also encourages bonding and helps build trust between coworkers. Secret Santas can sometimes be anonymous, but if you choose this option, your employees should be made aware of who their Secret Santas are beforehand so they can thank them in person after the gift exchange.
If you want Secret Santa gifts that aren’t too expensive or don’t take too much time, you could set up an Amazon wish list with items on it from which everyone can choose something for their assigned recipient. This gives people the freedom of being able to buy whatever they want without having to worry about finding something specific for someone else, such as a colleague they don’t know very well.
Give more flexible PTO policies
One way to make your employees feel valued and appreciated is by giving them more flexible PTO policies. For example, some companies allow employees to use their PTO for anything they want, while others allow them to use it for anything but work. This could mean that an employee uses their time off to take a vacation or attend a kid’s soccer game; either way, it makes that person feel appreciated by the company and like they’re a part of something bigger than just punching in and out throughout each day.
Conclusion
These examples of employee recognition programs are helpful and inspiring. The truth is, there are so many great ways to celebrate your employees and make them feel valued. The key is to find something that works for your company culture, budget, and the needs of your team members. Once you do that, then all it takes is a little creativity.