Tweet

DOs and DON’Ts of Great Recognition Programs

Written by: Cindy Ventrice

Article Overview: Before you create an employee recognition program read these tips for what to do and what not to do for an effective program.

DOs and DON’Ts of Great Recognition Programs

Have you considered creating a recognition program for your team? While it is true that you can provide meaningful recognition without ever putting a single recognition program in place, programs can spice things up and provide a fun way to reinforce key themes.

Before you begin, consider some of the DOs and DON’Ts of great Programs:

Don’t Require a winner every week, month, or quarter. If no one has met standards, no one should be recognized.

Don’t Set strict limitations on the number of winners. If an award is set up for a single winner, and three people have produced exceptional work, you should recognize three people

Don’t Make the program “fair” by insisting that everyone be recognized, including the people who arrive late, surf the Internet, and pass their work off on others.

Don’t Let the program become a bottleneck to timely recognition.

Don’t Allow the program to become the only form of recognition.

Don’t Expect one program to meet all your employees’ recognition needs.


Do Allow for both individuals and teams to receive recognition. For many people the pride of being part of a successful team is even more motivating than individual recognition. Provide opportunities for both.

Do Set and communicate clear criteria for what it takes to receive the award. This is what will make your program fair.

Do Tie awards to the organization’s values and you will reinforce what is most important.

Do Encourage employees to get involved in program design.

Do Develop systems that encourage awards for less visible employees.


Copyright 2006 Cindy Ventrice

Related Articles
  The Dos And Donts in SEO
  Employee Recognition Programs
  Four Ways to Waste Your Employee Recognition Budget
  How can I fast track my qualification?
  Recognition and Appreciation Inspires and Energizes

Article Tags: bottleneck, cindy ventrice, meaningful recognition, pride, recognition program, strict limitations, successful team, tie awards



Related Forum Posts
Any experience with McManus UK Ltd.? - Did anybody already deal with any of the McManus UK Ltd offshore entities? I do have a program, but not enough cash. I have been advised that they can fund investors with access to Private Placement Programs but they don’t want to joint venture with me. They want a fee for the service. This is why I want to find out if anybody has had first hand experience with this group? Patrick Ohara, Financial Consultant
Re: Finding AND Keeping Good People - Employee retention or as you mention “Keeping the Good People” is one of the biggest challenges for any growing business. It takes a huge effort from the entrepreneur’s end. I can come up with the following when it comes to KEEPing the good people- 1. Motivation of the employees 2. Recognition of the needs of the employees 3. Activities to make the employees feel valuable towards the organization 4. Make benefits more accessible 5. Offer profit sharing incentives 6. Create clear career paths at the company 7. Consider telecommuting, job sharing and other flexible working arrangements 8. Incentives are essential and they don't have to be huge 9. Have other managers praise an employee's work 10. Be sensitive to the balance between work and private life
Re: How to Promote Your Blog – The Definitive Guide to Promoting - Great information. Thanks so much for your help. I'm looking into google indexing right now and I'll be improving SEO moving forward. I checked out your blog and sites, too. Great content. Thank you...
Re: Welcome New Moderators in Addition to Our Fine Team! - Hey Terriz, Very nice to meet you . . . . Acapella ? . . . .Very cool. I used to listen to my uncle and his friends sing acapella on a Brooklyn NY street corner. Great memories . . .Great sound. Thanks Barry
Re: Weebly Free Websites... - Hi David, Great resource. I actually have a Weebly account but have never done anything with it. I'll agree the ease of setting up a website is very nice. It's clean and professional looking, and for someone that wants to just create a one page site or sales letter, it's a good alternative. Great find!


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Sales Training – Top Salespeople Are Not Dunces

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Log On

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.