- Peer-to-peer recognition
Develop a peer recognition program that lets employees give each other on-the-spot accolades on a community bulletin board or internal website. This allows employees to recognize their peers directly. Each month, the employees receiving awards could be entered into a drawing for a gift card or other award.
Eric Cormier, PHR, Human Resource Specialist
- Team birthdays and work anniversaries
Make employees feel special on their big day. Host a team lunch, throw a small party, pass out cupcakes – there are many simple ways to let them know you care.
Emily Dusablon, PHR, SHRM-CP, Supervisor, HR Center of Excellence
- Points reward system
Develop a points system for a reward program. This provides a perfect platform for ongoing recognition. Employees receive points every time they go above and beyond. After accumulating a certain amount, employees can redeem their points for gifts. You could offer a variety of rewards for the employees to select from.
Amy Marcum, Senior Human Resource Specialist
- Coffee shop meetings
Hold your one-on-one meetings at a local coffee shop so it’s casual and relaxed. As a little treat, pay for your employees’ drinks. For remote employees, send them online Starbucks gift cards and then Facetime/Skype with them from the coffee shop.
Jeff Miller, Director of Learning and Performance
- Employee competitions
Incorporate some fun, healthy competition into the workplace – such as college football team brackets – and award the winner.
Emily Dusablon, PHR, SHRM-CP, Supervisor, HR Center of Excellence
- Family invites
Invite employees’ families to company celebrations.
Emily Dusablon, PHR, SHRM-CP, Supervisor, HR Center of Excellence
- Bring-your-dog day
Allow employees to bring their dog to work occasionally.
Emily Dusablon, PHR, SHRM-CP, Supervisor, HR Center of Excellence
- Special projects
Give your employees an opportunity to work on special projects beyond their regular responsibilities. Doing this will allow them to grow, and will also demonstrate your confidence in their abilities to do a good job.
Steve Moore, Director, HR Center of Excellence
- Cover a major expense
When an employee goes above and beyond in a truly significant fashion, you could pay for a major payment or purchase for that individual. This might be a mortgage payment, automobile payment or major home appliance. There are two key considerations for making this a success. First, the reward should be tied to a significant achievement that resulted in huge savings or brought in additional revenue. Second, you should communicate to the employee, as well as the rest of your staff, how this behavior helped the organization succeed or gives the company a competitive advantage.
Michael Timmes, Senior Human Resource Specialist
- Cookies for a cause
For an employee who’s an active volunteer, have specially shaped cookies made and delivered with a thank you card. The shapes should reflect the cause the employee cares about. For instance, if the employee volunteers with military veterans, the cookies might be in the shapes of stars and flags.
Corinn Price, Director, Community Involvement