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Low Cost Techniques for Employee Recognition

Guest post by: Jennifer Loftus

Article Overview: Everyone wants to be recognized for their hard work. Recognition gives incentive for employees to stay loyal to their organization, and promotes their continued hard work. Although the economy has gotten better, there still seems to be some challenges in financially supporting some employee recognition programs. In this issue of Astronology, we will explore low-cost ways of engaging employees, and helping them to see, even in challenging times, that their loyalty and dedication are appreciated.

Low Cost Techniques for Employee Recognition

There are two types of employee recognitionto keep in mind. Informal recognition can be of a spontaneous nature, such as noticing a desired behavior and commending the employee for it. Sending an e-mail when tasks are taken care of well beyond expectations is another example of spontaneous recognition.

Another form of employee recognition is formal recognition. This type of recognition is helpful for those managers and supervisors who experience difficulty making employee recognition a priority. It’s easy to get caught up with day to day activities, and before you know it, a whole year can go by without formal acknowledgement of employee appreciation. Simply setting aside a certain month out of the year to celebrate employees, or instituting an employee of the month program, are great examples of formal employee recognition. An additional tool you most likely already have available to help in this regard is an efficient performance management system. Such a system can keep track of employee progress and goals, and aid in rewarding such employees when it is appropriate.

Low Cost Ways of Saying Thanks!

Through our research, Astronologyhas discovered some resources (for inspiration in giving employee recognition. Some of these include the following:

• “Behind the Scenes” award for actions not normally highlighted
• “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty” (or ABCD) Award for employees who convey this attitude
• Create a “Kudos” column in the department newsletter
• Life Saver award – a thank you note stating “Thank you! You are a Life Saver” attached with actual Life Saver candy
• A department break in the employee’s honor…perhaps even a pizza party
• Tickets to a sports game
• Gift certificates / cards:

• To a popular store or restaurant in the area
• American Express, Visa, and MasterCardmake such cards which allow the employee to choose where to spend the allotted amount given
• Movie Theater Gift Cards
• Itunes Gift Cardfor those I-pod, or I-pad users

• Unique Coupons to demonstrate thanks:

• Longer Lunch Coupon
• Shorter Work Day Coupon
• Work from Home Day Coupon
• “Swap a Task for a Day” Coupon

The point of employee recognition is to allow the employee to feel valued by the organization with which they spend the most of their time each day. Two of the elements on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needsare met when employers take time to acknowledge their employees’ hard work and attentiveness. Consider employee recognition as part of creating a cohesive, happy organization. Such an organization will have greater success in achieving its objectives. No matter your organization’s budget, spend some time giving employee recognition to those who deserve it.

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  Recognition and Rewards: Who’s Got the Time These Days, Not to Mention the $$$?
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Article Tags: Employee Recognition, Low Cost Employee Recognition



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