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You Say You Want to Start a (Grassroots Employee Recognition) Revolution?

Guest post by: Jeff Ogden

Article Overview: Guest Blog post from Mike Byam, managing partner at Terryberry. We at Find New Customers appreciate Mike’s contribution.

You Say You Want to Start a (Grassroots Employee Recognition) Revolution?

We live employee recognition and appreciation for companies both large and small atTerryberry. Occasionally, I'm put on the spot by frustrated HR people once they learn what I do. These well-meaning folk may not have the budget to invest in an organized employee appreciation campaign, but they know that one of the keys to keeping good employees onboard and engaged is showing them that they're valued and valuable. This is not just about ego - it's about feeling like one is in an employment situation where their contributions are being recognized for the initiative and attention they are contributing above and beyond their expected duties. "So Mike," they'll say to me with hopeful optimism in their voices, "is there anything I can do inexpensively - or for that matter without any expense - to show my good workers that they are cared about and appreciated? I don't want them to leave for greener pastures, but it's just not a line item in our budget currently - you know, fancy awards and what not."

I will sometimes launch into a philosophical discussion with these well-meaning and budget-challenged leaders about the need to spend money to make money. Other times I'll just give them several tips that utilize the spirit of employee appreciation without the accompanying financial requirements. Tips like these, below:

• The 100-note challenge. Take a pack of Post-It notes and write one note of appreciation to someone at work each day for 100 days. Pay attention to what happens around the office when employees start to see themselves and others getting recognized spontaneously for their efforts!
• Want the advanced class? Give yourself an objective to provide 100 recognition notes every month to those individuals that display the attitudes, behaviors, and contributions your organization values most! Are you up to the challenge?
• The traveling trophy. Pick an item that somehow represents your business, your culture or your workplace goals - it can be anything from a product you produce to a tangible item you can instill some value in. Award the ‘trophy' to an employee and then let them choose who receives it next, and have that employee explain why. Have you seen Caddyshack? Cinderella Story? Ivy Tech in Indiana has the "Gopher it" award that works in this way. The award is replica of the famous dancing gopher award that travels throughout their campus. Past winners add a piece of "flair" to the gopher prior to awarding it to another.
• Meeting moments. At the start of each meeting with your company or even sub-group, take time to recognize the accomplishments of team members. Verbal praise goes a long way.
• WOW Wednesdays. Set an appointment in your calendar for every Wednesday. On WOW Wednesdays make a point to give someone a little recognition - either through company email, by office telephone call, wall post or via a quick stand-up meeting. Half the battle for appreciation is making the time to do it. We all need reminders, especially as we are working to change behaviors. Don't be afraid to leverage technology here!
• Chili Cook-offs/potlucks/themed company lunch-share events. Host a monthly potluck where employee achievements can be celebrated over a group meal. Display or read positive letters from customers, encouraging production stats, new product developments, etc. The sense of community in the office will grow, along with awareness of what each person is contributing to the mix. Make sure to connect real business contributions to recognition here. Meatballs and chip dips are "great" but those aren't the contributions that drive the business forward!

Employee recognition awards and appreciation ideas don't have to cost much money at all. What they DO require is dedication to paying attention to the great things your staff is doing, and letting them see that you're aware of their hard work. Awareness and communication are the keys! Think about that, and thanks for your time.

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