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January 16, 2023

Rewarding Employees in Creative, Inexpensive Ways

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Tags: , — Kristine Richards @ 8:00 am
You Make A Difference Specialty Certificates

If you need ideas for rewarding employees without spending a great deal of money, you have come to the right place. Sure, you can take the easy way out and shoot off an email telling your employee he/she has done a great job, but there are more creative, personal, and meaningful ways to convey to your team that they are doing a fantastic job and that you appreciate their hard work.

Raises and bonuses are usually the most appreciated way of rewarding employee performance, dedication, and creativity, but company budgets don’t always allow for this type of recognition. Tell your employees you appreciate their great work with these creative, inexpensive means of employee recognition.

Praise is free, meaningful, personal. If you’re looking for a more tangible way to recognize a job well done, there are creative ways of rewarding employees.

Certificates, plaques, trophies, banners, gifts, and inspirational posters are all creative, inexpensive ways of rewarding employees who have wowed you with their customer service, product pitch, sales record, perfect attendance, or team work.

Never underestimate the power of recognition. It boosts morale, motivates, inspires, creates feelings of self-worth and value, increases productivity, and fosters loyalty and dedication.

If you haven’t told your employees they’re doing a good job, they may have low morale, lack motivation, or do just enough to get the job done. While employees may appear to not need a pat on the back, everyone truly likes to hear they’re doing a good job every now and then. And with so many creative, inexpensive ways of rewarding employees, there’s no reason to put this off any longer.

PaperDirect has a full line of employee recognition materials to meet your company’s needs.

August 26, 2022

12 Company Picnic Themes

Company Picnic Themes & Ideas

If you need another excuse to blow off a Friday and spoil your staff, this is it! Host a company picnic to recognize your top employees and thank the entire crew for their hard work throughout the past year. And you know, a party isn’t a party unless it has a theme. Here are 12 unique company picnic themes and ideas that will make your celebration a blast. 

grill master border papers for barbecues

The Classic Cookout

One of our favorite company picnic themes is the all-American BBQ. Fire up the grills, cook some hot dogs and hamburgers, and keep the event simple. Host the cookout on the lawn out back or at a nearby park. Or, go classic tailgating style and deck out the parking lot for a party.

Watermelon Eating Contest

Why not focus your company picnic around a ridiculous event, like a watermelon eating contest? You get to see who’s a competitive eater at heart and cheer on your co-workers. Bonus: Host a watermelon seed spitting contest for those with smaller appetites.

Country Dress Up

Encourage everyone to channel their inner cowgirls and cowboys for a western theme picnic. Bib overall, boots, flannel, and jeans are required attire at the casual Friday gathering.

Red, White, and Blue

Are you planning a company recognition party in July? Pair it up with Independence Day so you can flaunt the stars and stripes. Tell everyone to don red, white, and blue so you can look fabulous in a company team photo. Don’t forget the sparklers!

The Fourth Border Papers for patriotic events

Chili Cookoff

Bring on a challenge! Inspire your staff to break into small teams and dig into their spice racks. Host a chili cookoff to pass a Friday afternoon. Require each team to assemble their chili in a slower cooker at the start of the day so you get to smell the entries cooking until it’s time for the afternoon picnic.

Ants in Your Pants

If the weather is unpredictable, convert the boardroom into picnic central. Red and white check tablecloths and plastic ants will transform the space into a park setting instantly. Supply a few kid’s games like Ants in Your Pants, Checkers or Jacks to play during lunch.

Potluck Party

Does your staff love bringing treats to work? Let them show off their culinary skills with a potluck picnic. Have each employee draw a card from a hat letting them know what to bring: salad, dessert, fruit, or entree.

Halloween Revival

Why wait until October to wear a goofy costume to work? Encourage your employees to raid their closets for past Halloween costumes and flaunt them at the picnic. If families are invited to the company event, encourage kids and spouses to dress up too.

The Royal Court

When it’s time to name the king and queen of the office, go royal. Prepare paper crowns for the top employees and treat everyone like royalty by putting on a medieval spread complete with giant grilled turkey legs and flutes filled with grape juice (or wine)!

Throwback Picnic

Pick an era and encourage everyone to dress the part. Neon clothes and big hair are perfect for a 1990s party. Or, get groovy by wearing bellbottoms and peace symbols for a 1960s theme.

Family Fun Day

Invite the employees and their families to the recognition picnic. Host the event at a park that allows pets, and encourage four-legged family members to attend. Kick off the day with a best tail wag and pet costume contest to break the ice!

Playtime Theme

Take a company field trip to the local roller rink, bowling alley, or climbing wall. Let the staff channel their inner kids with some playtime antics before the picnic lunch and announcements.

Picnic II casual invites for company picnics

After you get the picnic catering scheduled and location booked, whip up some cute invites. Paper Direct has decorative paper featuring several company picnic themes ready and waiting for you to order online. Shop now!

July 10, 2022

How to Write an Employee Recognition Letter for Outstanding Customer Service

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 12:00 am
employee recognition letter for customer service

When an employee gives impeccable customer service, celebrate it. Providing words of thanks and feedback to the employee not only boosts their confidence and shows your gratitude, but it also confirms they are adhering to the ideals and goals of the company. In moments like this, the employee’s supervisor should consider writing an employee recognition letter for customer service.

Not sure where to start? We’re pros at positive communication exchanges and know how to recognize a job well done. Let’s start writing.

Preparing Your Employee Recognition/Customer Service Letter

As you sit down to handwrite a beautiful card or type up a letter on company stationery (both are perfectly acceptable!), you’ll want to focus on three things:

  • Summarizing the admirable customer service moment
  • Why it was a notable exchange with a customer
  • Gratitude for the employee’s performance

The purpose of writing this letter to a stand-out staff member is to show how much their attentiveness is appreciated and noticed by customers and senior-level employees at the company.

fancy stationery for employee recognition

Sample Letter to Celebrate an Employee

Here’s an example that you can customize to fit your profession, situation, and/or company structure to celebrate an employee’s interaction with a customer or a general trend of excellent service over time.

Dear Employee Name,

Here at Acme Health Supplies Inc., we strive to celebrate greatness when we see it, and this week you’re in the spotlight! We received a phone call from Mrs. Smith regarding your exchange on Friday to set up her new home delivery service. She was thrilled with your helpful tips, attention to detail, and complimented your courteous tone. This moment of stellar customer service was also noticed in the office by a few of your coworkers, who shared words of praise for your customer service skills.

We’ve always believed in giving our customers our undivided attention and working with them until every aspect of their transaction has been explained and understood. You achieved those goals and went above and beyond by tending to Mrs. Smith’s extra questions with patience and grace. You’ve set a noteworthy example in our office and for that, we thank you!

We’re so appreciative of your natural talents with our clientele that we’d like to use your phone call as an example of successful customer service in our training program. And of course, no good deed should go unrewarded. Please enjoy lunch on us this week at your favorite cafe with this gift card. Once again, we appreciate your outstanding representation of Acme Health Supplies Inc. and feel honored to have you on our team.

Sincerely,

Your Supervisor

That’s all there is to it! Recall the positive interaction, explain why it was great, and then show your appreciation. Whether your note is three sentences or three paragraphs long, your recognition will be appreciated.

professional stationery for employee recognition

As you start to brainstorm what to include in your letter, consider browsing our line of greeting cards and stationery. We are sure to have the perfect paper to complement your sentiments.

August 12, 2020

6 Ways to Safely Go Back to School

Back. To. School.

Most years, these words typically have mixed emotions across the board—teachers might jokingly groan, parents are excited to send kids back to class, and the kids themselves aren’t so happy. This year, back to school has more emotions than ever before.

To help teachers and schools prepare for an uncertain 2020-2021 school year we have a few ideas for you to use to keep your students, teachers, and staff safe. Plus, they’re perfect for any school— from elementary school to middle school to high school.

Stock up on Masks and other safety supplies for the 2020-2021 school year.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

1. Stock up on health and safety supplies.

In addition to the typical bandages and ointments, Masks, Sanitizer, and hand wipes are must-haves for every classroom for the upcoming school year. Having these supplies in every office and classroom will go a long way toward easing teachers’ and parents’ worries. And some Masks and Sanitizer options can be customized to match your school name and/or mascot.

Anti-microbial Pens eliminate pen sharing and the transfer of germs.

2. Stock up on antimicrobial pens.

Pens are another must-have for any elementary, middle, or high school. Anti-microbial Pens eliminate pen sharing and the transfer of germs. Having these special pens around (or Anti-microbial Lanyards) is just one more way to make your school a little safer for everyone.

Post Sanitizer Stations through your school for the new school year to keep everyone safe and healthy.

3. Set up Sanitizer Stations in common areas of your school. 

Sanitizing stations can be as informal or elaborate as you want. You can set up a Sanitizer Pump on a hallway table or shelf and post a sign above the sanitizer, or purchase a special Sanitizer Station. Set up Sanitizer Stations in various common areas of your school, like entrances, cafeteria, gymnasium, by locker rooms, and offices.

Welcome teachers and staff back to school with a VIP Gift Set.

4. Raise teacher morale with a Gift Set for each of them.

With all of the uncertainties teachers are facing, it’s the perfect time let them know how grateful you are for everything they do. Welcome teachers back to school with a Gift Set that is full of fun and functional gifts that will be used on a daily basis. 

Use Yard Signs and Banners to give all your school teachers and staff warm welcome back.

5. Brighten up your school and grounds with Signs and Banners.

It’s more important than ever to raise everyone’s spirits and keep morale up. There’s no better way to do that than with a colorful “Welcome Back” Yard Sign, poster, decals, and Banners. Whether they are displayed on your school’s front lawn, by school entrances or sidewalks, or inside on walls, bulletin boards, doors, or windows give everybody a warm welcome.

Floor Decals encourage visitors at your school to maintain social distancing practices.

6. Post decals on walls and/or floors to encourage social distancing and hand washing.

Floor Decals are easy ways to create a one-way flow of traffic through school hallways. They are also essential for offices; they can be spaced 6′ apart to encourage visitors to maintain social distance in your school. Wall Decals are also must-have supplies. Secure a hand washing decal in every school bathroom.

In addition to the six above ideas, you can maintain a safe and healthy school environment with extra cleaning and disinfecting supplies. Use these supplies every day and try to schedule a deep cleaning once a week. No matter which ideas you choose to use in your elementary school, middle school, or high school, everyone will be a little safer for it.

August 4, 2020

Top 5 Ways to Say “Thanks” to Employees

Uncertain. Difficult. Challenging.

You have probably heard these words used in abundance to describe these current times, but we can think of a better one:

Thankful!

Given the current climate we are living in, it’s more important than ever to show and express your gratitude to all of your employees. We have five ideas that you can implement right away to let your employees know how much you truly appreciate them and all of their hard work–no matter if it’s onsite or at home.

Protect certificates in Thank You Certificate Jackets.

Continue to recognize milestones like tenure and Employee of the Month.  

Recognition of your teachers and employees does not have to stop just because most of them are working from home or remotely. If you are holding meetings through conference calls and/or websites and programs, take the time to spotlight these special employees with a presentation. Then, mail them a “recognition package” that includes quality awards, like Certificates, Jackets, and Lapel Pins. And don’t forget to include a Greeting Card or NoteCard with handwritten words of gratitude.

Use LetterTop Certificates to thank employees, plus add a certificate or coupon.

Send a “Thank You” note to your employees and consider a gift card.

When you think of thank you notes, you may think of weddings, birthdays, or graduation parties, but they can be used for employees, too! Whether you use a NoteCard, Greeting Card, or LetterTop Certificate, this is a great way to put those appreciative thoughts to paper. You can even personalize them with a unique message for each employee. If your budget allows, you can also include a gift card (printed or plastic) as a token of thanks.

This Appreciation Gift Set is great for thanking employees and keeping morale up.

Send or give a Gift Set.

Our Direct Ship program is the perfect way to send Gift Sets to all of your teachers and employees as a show of support whether they are working from home or onsite. Gift Sets are not only budget-friendly options for you, they offer fun and functional items that everybody can use. Sending Gift Sets directly to each employee’s home lets everyone know they are still an important and valued part of your team.

Telecommute Kits are great for thanking your remote employees.

Send a Kit to help employees work from home.

Unique work-from-home kits are great ways to keep employees organized, “plugged in,” and even stress a little less. Most kits include some electronic accessories with a mix of standard desk supplies, so everyone is sure to a get a lot of use out of them. Kits are affordable ways to show your appreciation for everyone’s hard work and dedication. 

NoteCards make thank you notes more personal.

Words of appreciation go a long way.  

We understand you may have a tight budget to work with; sometimes a simple note of thanks goes a long way. Thank You NoteCards are always much appreciated–and if you mail them they will be attention grabbers because of their size! If you take a few minutes to write your own “thank you” message with a personal twist for each employee those notes will mean a lot more. Thank You Certificates are also a fun, motivational idea; employees can proudly display them at home. Even a simple Lapel Pin with a thank you message on it can say a lot.

We hope you can use at least one of these five ideas to say “thank you” to your employees. It’s so important right now to hear encouraging or motivational messages. No matter which idea you choose, the results will be much appreciated by your employees, teachers, volunteers, and more. 

August 28, 2019

Elite Employee Recognition

Honor the employees that have gone above and beyond on the work that they have done. There are many ways that you can honor employees for their achievements. Recognizing and celebrating employee achievements should be frequent for your company and should honor dedicated employees. 

Frequent Recognition

Continuous recognition for everything your employees do is a wonderful way to show that you are aware of their efforts. Specialty certificates are perfect for coordinating with a certificate jacket for stylish representation and display! Reward your employees right when they’ve gone above and beyond in their work. Recognize them with a certificate that recognizes their excellence in the work place. 

Recognize Employee Loyalty

Honor the employees that have been loyal to your company! Recognize employees with pins that represent their years of hard work. Pins are wonderful recognition pieces because they can be keepsakes and proudly shown off.  Honor the years of excellent service and volunteering with customizable certificates to add that personal touch.  

Gift Certificate Award

Everyone loves a gift certificate to a restaurant or a movie theater! Make sure the gift certificate matches each employee’s personality; it’ll show just how much you care. Our gift certificates are desktop printable, which makes them wonderful customizing. Your employees will love this recognition and will spend the gift certificates gladly.

Recognizing employees’ hard work and commitment is perfect for keeping spirits high. Awarding employees frequently with certificates and plaques, acknowledging their loyalty, and handing out gift certificate awards or trophies are great ways to recognize employees. Visit PaperDirect for more stationery products that your employees will love

February 22, 2019

5 Unique Ways To Recognize Students & Staff

Recognizing students and staff is crucial in building a productive school environment. Create special recognitions at your school that will turn into traditions that your staff and students will love by congratulating them with a variety of tangible awards.

Student of the Month Awards

Creating a ceremony where students, parents, and teachers can come together to celebrate a student’s achievements is wonderful for recognizing students. When you recognize students for their exemplary academics and character, you set the right tone for how you want your students to act. Reward them with customizable certificates that they can display in their room and show off to their friends.

student of the month certificate

Teacher of the Month Awards

Recognizing teachers for their hard work really pays off. Have students vote for their favorite teachers, and recognize those teachers with breakfast and a ceremony. Award each teacher with a trophy they can display proudly on their desk or a plaque they can hang up on the wall. This recognition is great for celebrating a teacher’s hard work and dedication to their students.

Celebrate Staff Birthdays

Birthdays should be celebrated! Celebrate a staff member’s birthday by decorating their workspace with a customized banner. When they walk in and find their workspace decorated, they’ll be proud to work at a school that notices the details. If a staff member doesn’t like their birthday to be a big deal, create a custom message using a stylish border paper to recognize them in a smaller way.

chalkboard banner for schools

Student Attendance Recognition

Not missing a day of school can be tricky for many students. This may be an achievement that goes unnoticed in some schools, but handing a student a certificate that acknowledges their dedication to their academics goes a long way. Complement their attendance certificate with a coordinating certificate jacket that’ll display their award beautifully. 

Recognition Awards with Swag

Everyone loves some swag! Your staff will appreciate all the different ways they’ll be able to show their school pride: apparel, tumblers, and more! Show your appreciation by including some of these items in a gift basket or as a surprise gift in their mailbox.  Your staff will be proud of their school as they walk through the halls with their cool items.

These award and recognitions ideas are great for building a happy school environment. Your students and staff will desire these recognitions and work hard for them. Recognize with style and use PaperDirect for all your recognition needs.

February 15, 2019

5 Positive Impacts of Recognizing Student Achievement

Recognizing your students’ achievements has amazing outcomes. When you recognize individual student achievements with a tangible award, they will all feel appreciated and motivated to continue to work hard in the classroom.

Awarding Good Behavior

Awarding good behavior sets the foundation for your classroom and how your students should act. When students follow the rules of the classroom, you create a safe learning environment where students can learn without distractions. Award each outstanding student with a pin that they can show off in the classroom with pride.

achievement recognition lapel pin

Make Students Feel Appreciated

Recognizing your students’ achievements will let them know that you see their efforts and are proud of their achievements. An appreciated student won’t give up on their work and will feel like doing something that matters. Handing them a certificate that you have customized to be specific to that student is the perfect recognition gift. 

Encourage Student Pride

When students have something they can be proud of, it shows in the way they act. Awarding students with trophies and plaques is a great way for them to feel a sense of pride. They’ll be able to show off their awards to their friends and family, or hang them up in their rooms. The pride that your students will feel in school will continue to move them in the right direction.

Black Marble Recognition Plaque

Motivate Students

Recognition is a great way to keep students motivated any time of year. When you introduce certificates, pins, trophies, and lanyards that can be awarded for different achievements it will motivate your students to work harder. This motivation will provide the drive your students need to excel in their studies.

Happy Students

Students that are successful with their studies are happy. By recognizing your students’ achievements, you are encouraging them to continue to work hard and be productive. When you reward your students you’ll make them feel appreciated and happy.

Achievement Certificate paper for students

Making sure that you are recognizing achievement when you’re supposed to is important. Award your students with certificates, pins, and other recognition items to show that you appreciate all their hard work. Check out PaperDirect for more recognition items!

January 18, 2019

5 Ways Schools Are Using Certificates

Graduation Certificates

Certificates are a great way to award teachers and students who are going above and beyond in their sports or studies. Traditional and styled certificates make great awards that turn into keepsakes. Show students and teachers you appreciate and recognize their achievements.

Graduation:

Graduation is a monumental part of a student’s life and should be celebrated in style. Awarding students with their diploma is one of the most important achievements in a student’s life. Choose between styled or traditional certificates that will be cherished forever.

Honor Roll:

Give your students the recognition they deserve! Students that have made it onto the honor roll have gone above and beyond in their studies and have achieved academic excellence. Award them with a stylish certificate that they can hang up in their room.

Student Of The Month:

Awarding a student for their achievement and excellent citizenship is what Student Of The Month is all about. When teacher’s hand students their certificate, it will become a keepsake they can show their parents and families. Choose a certificate that goes perfectly with your school’s colors.

Athlete Award:

Athletics is an important part of every school and exceptional athletes are hard to come by. Award your above and beyond athletes at your sports banquet or at the end of the year ceremony.

Teacher of the Month:

Teachers often times aren’t awarded properly but with the right certificate they can be! The teacher of the month is influential and important in a student’s life, recognizing and awarding those teachers is a great way to show teachers how much you appreciate them.

Celebrate and recognize your students and teachers the right way with customizable certificates. Handing them graduation diplomas, teacher awards, honor roll or excellence certificates is a wonderful way to award teachers and students. Don’t forget to check out PaperDirect for your entire certificate needs.

August 28, 2018

How to Boost Employee Morale After Layoffs

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 11:50 am

boost employee moral after layoffs

Downsizing and restructuring is often part of business management, and ultimately, structured growth. If your company is preparing for a round of layoffs to improve the stability and positioning of your business, you need to make a conscious effort to boost employee morale after layoffs. Don’t let concerns or confusion linger among the remaining staff.

The Harvard Business Review reports that a “heightened level of employee dysfunction” is common after a downsizing situation. Thankfully, supervisors and top-level management can ease tension and fears regarding the future by implementing these ideas.

5 Ways to Boost Employee Morale after Layoffs

After the pink slips go out, and the remaining staff has been honestly informed of the purpose behind the company changes, the real work begins. Focus on career development, solidifying trust, and listening to the staff’s needs.

  1. Focus on team-building. Hiring an outside speaker to conduct a workshop or creating an internal activity can help stimulate creativity, conversation, and trust among the staff. Be sure to reward top performers with small gifts to reinforce the company’s dedication to recognizing stand-out participation and skills.
  2. Encourage open communication. Distribute information to senior staff regarding active listening skills and open-door policies they can use to encourage junior staff members to reach out with concerns during the transitional period. Employees want to feel heard and understood.
  3. Present future plans. Be candid with the staff about how their work duties will change and future hiring plans to ease their new workloads. Is an increase in tasks temporary or a new long-term expectation? Be clear about timelines and job description changes in the new office environment.
  4. Offer a support system. As your company adapts to changes, roll out helpful training courses, bring in workplace morale counselors, and schedule team meetings that empower employees to do their best. You can’t expect success from employees who feel unguided or confused about a shift in duties or new co-worker collaborations.
  5. Celebrate current value. Everyone loves to know what they’re doing right and receive praise. After a round of layoffs, a little reassurance can help stabilize trust in the company and the employees’ places in it. Take the time to thank individuals for their contributions, positive office attitudes, and adaptability to the changes.

Boost the morale at your company by keeping employee recognition gifts on hand and presenting them often. From certificates to trophies, PaperDirect offers a variety of motivational products to boost the spirit and confidence of your hard-working team.

June 12, 2018

4 Unique Ways to Recognize Your Remote Employees

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Tags: , , — Megan Duffy @ 11:39 am
recognize remote employees

Just because remote employees are out of sight doesn’t mean they should be out of mind. Even if they can’t participate in on-site team building and camaraderie events, you can help ensure they aren’t left out or go unrecognized. Make sure they know they’re a valuable part of your organization with these ideas for providing employee recognition for remote teams.

Virtual Bulletin Board

Your in-office bulletin board may be packed with employee updates, kudos, photos, and other fun stuff that enhance business relationships. Take that same bulletin board concept and put it online. Create a space where remote team members can post funny pictures, cartoons, and comments to each other. This type of open forum can help your remote employees feel less isolated and more involved with your company.

Remote Employee Awards and Rewards

Doling out regular awards or rewards can be a spectacular way to provide employee recognition for remote teams. Create a lineup of awards that are for remote workers only and hand them out on a weekly or monthly basis. Get staff involved by having coworkers nominate each other for the awards.

Ideas for Weekly or Monthly Awards:

  • Happiest Remote Worker
  • Most Productive Remote Worker
  • Most Helpful Remote Worker
4-in-1 work from home kit

Ideas for Other Awards:

  • Funniest Remote Worker
  • Easiest Remote Worker to Get on the Phone
  • Toughest Remote Worker to Get on the Phone
  • Remote Worker Most Likely to Be Online 24/7
  • Remote Worker with Most Creative Work Location

Hand out recognition certificates, engraved trophies, or personalized gifts as awards, posting a photo and praise online before you mail the prize to the recipient.

In addition to awards, you can set up a reward system where remote employees earn points for receiving weekly or monthly honors. You can then let them redeem the points for things like gift cards, subscriptions, and memberships.

star acrylic award

Online Recognition Tools

Make it easy for team members and managers alike to publicly recognize and thank remote employees by setting up an online recognition platform for sharing praise and words of encouragement. Establishing an easy way to send e-cards and other personalized messages is another idea that can help workers thank and connect with each other.

Offline Recognition Tools

While e-cards and online recognition platforms are fast and easy, sending handwritten notes and thank you cards can provide a truly personal touch. Keep a few boxes of different thank you cards in stock so managers and coworkers can create and send out personalized praise.

You can keep the good vibes going by also sending out birthday cards or cards marking other important dates, like work anniversaries, to remote team members and in-house employees alike.

balloons confetti notecards

These ideas for providing employee recognition for remote teams can help remote employees feel included, valued, and an integral part of your company. Regularly delivering positive reinforcement to remote employees can go a long way toward making them proud to deliver exceptional work.  Don’t forget to check out PaperDirect for everything you need to recognize and thank your remote team.

May 22, 2018

How to Set Up an Alumni Volunteer Program

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 12:58 pm

alumni volunteer program

Does your school need a few extra helping hands when it comes to fundraisers and event planning? Call on your alumni – literally. Pull up your database of bachelors, masters, and doctoral graduates when structuring your university’s alumni volunteer program.

This dedicated group of university fans brings genuine enthusiasm and first-person authenticity to each project you tackle.

Where Can They Help?

Alumni volunteers quickly connect on a personal level to current students, making them the perfect representatives at college job fairs, student recruitment efforts, college club events and on-campus fundraising activities.

They can also step in and assist with everyday events. Ask your alumni if they want to take tickets at sporting, musical, and theatre events. Alternatively, they can run the snack bar during games and intermissions. They can also be on homecoming or phone-a-thon committees.

Does your university have a mentoring program? Alumni are great at coaching younger students on career path choices, class selection, and preparing for job interviews.

Recruiting Alumni To the Program

Now that you see the value in welcoming past students back to campus, how can you do it? A multi-faceted approach to recruitment will reach the most students.

Here are a few communications to try:

  • Post to the university’s social media accounts
  • Schedule an informational meeting on campus
  • Send personal letters to each person in the mail
  • Mention the alumni volunteer program on the university’s email newsletter
  • Let communications students create television and radio ads
  • Make announcements at university events

Finally, make a few personalized phone calls to key alumni and ask them to come back to campus and help the younger students grow. Emphasize how much you appreciated their contributions while they were enrolled and how they can pass that enthusiasm on to the new group of upcoming graduates.

Celebrate Your Volunteers

Once your program is up and rolling, let your volunteers know how much you admire their dedication to the university. Plan an annual volunteer appreciation event. Whether it’s an on-campus catered picnic or a more formal evening dinner gathering, your gratitude will be loud and clear.

At the event, host an awards ceremony to recognize your long-term and most dedicated alumni volunteers. Present small trophies or awards certificates to mark the occasion. We also love creating photo slideshows of the volunteers in action on campus and recognizing them in the alumni publications to help inspire others to reach out to their alma mater and become part of the college culture once again.

Are you ready to start planning? PaperDirect can help you stock up on small gifts, trophies, and certificates to present to your volunteers. Browse our online store today!

April 25, 2018

5 Unique Ways to Recognize Your Employee of the Month

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 2:39 pm

employee of the month recognition

Naming an employee of the month is a great way to recognizing your top performers’ hard work and dedication to the company. With all the effort they put into their job, they deserve more of a thank you than their picture on the wall. Why not give your employees of the month a unique treat instead? Transform your employee of the month recognition from a rather ho-hum honor to an enticing goal with these five spectacular ideas.

Free Lunch

Employee of the month recognition can be delicious when it means a free lunch. Pick a trendy restaurant near the office, or let the honored employee choose one from a pre-approved list. Then tell your employee to order in or head out on their lunch hour, with you picking up the tab for their meal.

Goodie Basket

Get a basket and fill it with items you know your employees would like. Choose a collection of munchies that fits the particular employee, with options that include fruit, granola bars, gourmet cheese, or candy. Non-food items can also work – think sketch pads, gift certificates, scented candles, or coffee mugs.

Supply Box

Keep your employee of the month recognition work-related by gifting a supply box filled with items they can use on the job. Ideas here run the gamut from colored sticky notes to pen sets to personalized memo pads to planners.

Certificate or Trophy

Certificates and trophies are superb for letting your employees of the month display their honor on their desk or wall as long as they wish. Get a batch of high-quality certificate paper and print up your own awards every month, or choose to have them custom printed and framed.

Choose from trophies shaped like stars, circles, or half-moons, all of which can be engraved. If springing for a trophy every month may be a bit much, invest in a single trophy that gets passed around month-to-month to the person who nabs the honor.

Paid Time Off

While you may want to reserve a paid week of vacation for your employees of the year, add an extra day to your employees of the month’s allotted PTO. Review the employee’s schedule, and then have them pick a day that works for you both. Even your best employees would love an extra day to relax!

With so many enticing options for employee of the month recognition, it may be tough to pick just one. Feel free to rotate the recognition ideas every year, or even on a quarterly basis. And yes, if you’re a big fan of the photo in the hallway, you can still keep that tradition, too. Just strengthen the honor with an additional perk that makes sure employees know you truly value their work. Check out PaperDirect for more ways to recognize your hardworking employee of the month.

April 23, 2018

4 Employee Reward and Recognition Programs That Work

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 9:38 am

employee reward and recognition programs

The primary goals of employee reward and recognition programs are simple: attract and retain amazing talent. So, we shower them with awards, praise, and tokens of appreciation to express our gratitude for their service and dedication. But, are we doing it right? And well enough?

The research pros at Gallup, Inc. found, “only one in three workers in the U.S. strongly agree that they received recognition or praise for doing good work in the past seven days” and that many workers feel their best efforts are ignored. These folks are twice as likely to quit their jobs in the coming year.

In short: We need to do better. Here are a few ways for leaders and managers in your organization to recognize accomplishments, boost employee motivation, increase company loyalty, and meet employee retention rate goals.

Individual Personalized Outreach

The gold standard for employee recognition relies on one-on-one communication from a top-level colleague. We want to hear positive words from our supervisor or the head of the company. Gallup, Inc. found the most memorable and meaningful recognition came from the employee’s manager (28 percent), the company’s leader or CEO (24 percent), or the supervisor over the individual’s boss (12 percent).

The outreach should be genuine and personal. Taking a few minutes to chat about accomplishments and share a handshake speaks volumes to an employee. Writing a note on quality stationery or in a thank you card also makes a big impact.

Employee of the Month/Year

The next most effective form of recognition is based on individual outreach in a public forum. When a supervisor presents a certificate, award, or verbal praise for an individual employee in front of his or her peers, the impact is two-fold. The employee feels appreciated, and the staff learns more about the company culture, possibly feeling inspired to aspire to a similar experience.

Explore this option by creating your own employee of the week, month, or year depending on what feels appropriate for your industry. Make the announcement public and available for the entire staff to enjoy, whether it’s in the form of a meeting or morning announcement.

Individual Evaluations and Reviews

Although it’s not glamorous or public, employees feel valued when you take the time to sit with them and review their goals and performance within the company structure. These evaluations give both the supervisor and employee a chance to discuss improvement, promotions, and future opportunities. Again, personalization and direct communication with a superior at the company is key.

This form of recognition is usually part of an annual employee performance review. In a smaller office setting, this sort of check-in would be valuable after completing large company projects every few months or even on a monthly basis. Consider pairing the reviews with an employee appreciation day to enliven the workday.

Peer-to-Peer Recognition

Gallup, Inc. finds that you really can’t give too much feedback or recognition. They feel it should be all-encompassing and come from supervisors, peers, clients, and customers to really make an impact.

Share shout-outs for individual employees on customer surveys. Allow peers to nominate their co-workers for company awards. Encourage immediate supervisors to recognize when an employee excels in accordance with the company culture, purpose, or brand.

Are you ready to overhaul your company’s employee reward and recognition programs? Find everything you need to acknowledge your amazing employees at PaperDirect today!

April 18, 2018

6 Awesome Volunteer Recognition Award Ideas

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 2:07 pm
volunteer recognition award ideas

Volunteers are the backbone of your organization. In fact, you might have a hard time running your organization without them. With Volunteer Recognition Day celebrated every April 20, you can show your appreciation with a lineup of volunteer recognition awards.

certificate award papers for volunteers

Make your volunteer recognition awards extra special by choosing unique award titles that creatively highlight different claims to fame. Here are some ideas for awesome awards to bestow on your hardworking volunteers:

Biggest Heart Award

Whether it’s to lend an ear, show up for an extra shift, or dedicate an entire weekend to service, the Biggest Heart volunteer is always there to help. This volunteer is kind, compassionate, gracious, and always giving to others.

heart pin award for volunteers

Early Bird Award

You know that volunteer that’s always standing outside the door when you open, eagerly waiting to start working? It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, snowing, hailing, or even Daylight Savings Time. This guy or gal is first in line, waiting to help out your organization.

Perpetual Smile Award

You’re not sure if you’ve seen this person frown, ever. When things are tough, they’re smiling. When things are great, they’re grinning even bigger. This volunteer brings a smile to your doorstep every time he or she arrives, sharing it freely with everyone inside.

Band-Aid Award

Things go wrong from time to time in every organization, and the luckiest organizations have a volunteer who can always fix what’s gone wrong. Creative solutions, rapid action, and remedying any situation are the claims to fame of the recipient worthy of the Band-Aid Award.

On-the-Spot Award

Maybe three volunteers didn’t show up, or you need extra help to quash a crisis. The person who always comes through in a pinch deserves the On-the-Spot Award. They are, after all, always on the spot whenever you call and need them most.

Eternal Service Award

You may be lucky to have a volunteer that has been with the organization since the beginning, continues to show up and suit up every week, and is likely to stick with you far into the future. The Eternal Service Award honors the volunteer for ongoing service – a kind of lifetime achievement award in the world of volunteers.

cherry wood plaque recognition award

Now that you have a solid idea of the types of volunteer recognition awards you want to dole out, all you need to do is get some quality certificate paper and lapel pins and make the awards happen. PaperDirect has an array of options you can have customized or print up on your office printer –  stock up today!

April 13, 2018

Happy Stress Awareness Day! Here’s How to Reduce Stress at Work

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 11:37 am

how to reduce stress at work

April 15th is Stress Awareness Day, and aren’t we all aware of it! While it can be tempting to overlook holidays that seem minor, this one can be a big deal for employees. After all, who doesn’t want a less stressful workplace? Here are seven tips on how to reduce stress at work on Stress Awareness Day and throughout the year to create a happy, healthy working environment.

1. Host a yoga class

Even the biggest skeptic will find themselves relaxed after a good yoga session. Whether or not your employees all buy into the spiritual aspects of the practice, everybody will benefit from a set time to relax, stretch, and focus on feeling grounded in their bodies.

2. Hire a masseuse for the day

While bringing in a masseuse may seem like an obvious way to reduce stress at work, it’s still a good one! Hire a masseuse (or several, if you work at a large company) to offer employees chair massages throughout the day. Your employees will find their stress melting away after a few blissful minutes in the chair.

3. Bring in a mindfulness speaker

Your company might have a long list of speakers and conferences planned, but these tend to be targeted toward new business or productivity. If you can tell your employees would benefit from a bit of a breather, find a speaker who can talk about mindfulness or stress management, and give your employees better ways to manage their stress even after Stress Awareness Day.

4. Make sure your employees get their lunch breaks 

Workday breaks are important year round! It’s so easy to get into the habit of eating at your desk, even if you don’t have work piling up. However, one of the quickest ways to reduce stress is to make sure all of your employees have their lunch break to move around, leave the office, and give their brain a break.

5. Finish work early

If you’re wondering how to reduce stress at work in a major way, even for the day, try cutting down work hours! Surprise your employees by closing down after lunch on a Friday (or, if you have a more meticulous bunch, give them warning at the beginning of the week). Either way, a half day won’t cost you much in productivity, but it’ll go a long way to knock down stress levels a couple of notches.

6. Encourage workouts

Give employees incentives to hit the gym or take a walk – offer a gym membership discount, bring in instructors for a lunchtime workout, or set up flexible hours to accommodate gym hours. Working out while you’re working hard can be challenging to balance, but we all know regular exercise is a major way to reduce stress at work.

7. Reward your employees’ hard work

Take some time to reward and celebrate your employees for their hard work. Whether it’s a lapel pin, a new tumbler for their desk, or a nice certificate, honoring their achievements at work can help reduce employee’s worries that they’re not performing well. Small rewards also serve as a good reminder to employees that even when their job stresses them out, you appreciate and value their hard work.

If you’re looking for more ways to show your employees that you appreciate them on Stress Awareness Day or any other day of the year, PaperDirect has everything you need to say thanks! Shop our range of employee recognition gifts and certificates today.

April 9, 2018

6 Ways to Frame Your College Graduation Diploma

college graduation diploma frames

Congrats! You’ve donned your cap and gown and been awarded your official college diploma. Now, it’s time to show it off. Whether it’s at home or the office, these college graduation diploma frames and display ideas are sure to turn a few heads.

Showcase Your Diploma in a Shadowbox

Preserve several memories of your college years in a shadowbox. The thick casing makes it possible to hang award ribbons, lapel pins, honor cords, sashes, medals, and other mementos alongside your graduation diploma. Choose a solid black felt backing or have it customized with your college colors or to match your room decor.

Decorate a Frame

Feeling crafty? Pick up a plain wooden frame and get creative. Use paint to customize the frame and glue on three-dimensional items. For example, if you went to college at a coastal university, apply seashells to the border of the frame. Were you a top athlete? Hang tournament award ribbons around the perimeter of the frame.

Leatherette cover for college diplomas

Display Diplomas with a Leatherette Award Board

For a classic look, slip your paper diploma into a leatherette frame. These can be hung or stand up on their own. We love the idea of standing the framed diploma on a bookshelf next to other items from college, including awards and framed pictures of friends and family at the graduation ceremony.

Mount It On an Engraved Plaque

Have you received more than one college diploma? If you have certificates for an associate, bachelor, masters, and/or doctorate degrees, secure each of them to a large wooden plaque so they can always be displayed together. We love the idea of placing an engraved plate with the year each was earned under each certificate.

slide-in certificate wall plaque

Mat and Frame Your Diploma

Will your college diploma be displayed in your office? Choose professional matting and framing to show off your hard work. The mat color can coordinate with your office or business colors. For timeless appeal, black or cream are popular options.

Create a Collage Frame

When selecting a wooden frame, consider one that has multiple openings cut into the matting. The diploma should be prominently displayed in the main spot, then fill the smaller openings with photographs from the graduation day, the graduation ceremony program, or your graduation party invitation.

Are you ready to make your college graduation diploma stand out? Browse the certificate frames at PaperDirect for more ways to turn your document into a true keepsake!

April 5, 2018

Designing a Dean’s List Certificate: Tips and Tricks

Filed under: Student Recognition Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 10:59 am
designing a deans list certificate

Making the Dean’s List is a big deal, and your school needs to produce a certificate worthy of the honor. While no national standard dictates what a Dean’s List certificate must look like and include, most schools follow a similar format to ensure they produce an official certificate that contains all of the essential information.

Information to Include

At the very least, your dean’s list certificate needs to include:

  • Title of the award, such as Dean’s List Award, or simply Dean’s List
  • Name of university or college
  • Name of recipient
  • Semester and year the certificate is being awarded
  • Official signature(s)

Certificates may be signed by the dean, deans from different departments, or other administrative members authorized to bestow the award.

Design Elements

For the most official, traditional look, it’s imperative to pay attention to several design elements.

School Logo or Seal

The school logo refers to an emblem that can be printed on the certificate, while the seal is created by a sticker or stamp that creates an imprint. One or the other is typically used on a dean’s honor list certificate, with the logo frequently appearing near the top center of the certificate and the seal often appearing in a bottom corner. Choose a Seal that comes with an embossed design or create your own with a blank foil seal and Custom Embosser.

Custom embosser for certificate seals

Font

The font style sets up the overall vibe of the certificate, with the most official and traditional often using an Old English type font. For a less fussy look, a straightforward font such as Bookman Old Style can work. Use no more than two different types of font on the certificate to retain a crisp and clean look.

Font sizes can vary, with larger lettering for the heading and important information and a smaller font size for less crucial information.

Certificate Paper

A dean’s list certificate is not the place to skimp on paper. You will want to use high-quality paper designed specifically for awards and certificates. Attractive options for a dean’s list can include:

When finalizing your design, make sure you adjust your layout to account for any borders on your certificate paper.

70lb Gold Linen Border Certificate Paper

These tips can help ensure your dean’s list certificate makes a stunning statement, providing a tangible testament to all the hard work and dedication that went into receiving it. To start creating your Dean’s List certificate today, browse PaperDirect’s certificate and recognition options.

April 3, 2018

17 Fun and Meaningful Award Ideas for College Students

Filed under: Student Recognition Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 10:41 am
award ideas for college students

College can be an incredibly fun time for students, but it’s not without its challenges. Between juggling homework, theses, and job applications, your students are likely stressed out much of the time!

While you can’t help them manage their busy schedules, you can acknowledge their hard work and unique quirks with fun and meaningful awards. Try out some of these award ideas for college students to boost morale in your university.

1. Superlatives

Superlative awards are one of the most popular parts of high school. Almost anyone can recall at least category from when they graduated, like Best Couple, Class Sweetheart, or Most Likely to Succeed. You can easily adapt this concept for college. Try some fun ideas that poke a little fun, while still showing your students you know them as individuals. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Most Likely to Drink 5 Cups of Coffee in One Class
  • Most Likely to Wear Pajamas in Class or Most Likely to Wear a Suit to Class
  • Most Likely to Know the Answer to Every Question
  • Most Likely to Start a Debate Over Anything
  • Most Likely to Take Impeccable Notes
Coffee-patterned stationery paper

2. Awards for High-performing Students

Giving high-performing students a small award, either in class or in privacy, for their achievements is a gesture that can go a long way. Extra validation can make a big difference, especially during high-pressure times like midterms or finals. Hand out certificates acknowledging one of the following achievements:

  • Top Math/History/Biology Student of the Year
  • Top Grade in the Course
  • Highest Test Score
Academic-themed stationery papers

3. Rewards for Students Who Study Together

Students often study together during college – there’s so much work to be done, and it always goes faster when you’re in a group! If you have a student you know shows up to help support others during test prep, reward them for their willingness and ability to cooperate with others. Some ideas to help recognize their collaboration are:

  • Most Dedicated Study Group
  • Biggest Team Player
  • Best Group Project of the Semester
  • The Test Prep Dream Team

4. Awards for Students with Perfect Attendance

If your class is at 8 AM, then this is one of those award ideas for college students that should be mandatory! College students have a lot going on, so simply making it to class all the time is an achievement that deserves acknowledgment. Whether it’s a certificate or a gift card for the local coffee shop to keep them punctual, it’s a worthwhile thing to celebrate. Awards relating to punctuality can include:

  • Most Punctual
  • Most Likely to Be the First to Class
  • Perfect Attendance
  • Most Visits to Office Hours
Perfect Attendance Award Paper

5. Certificates for Students Who Audited the Course

Students audit courses for a variety of reasons, but since they don’t receive official credit, giving students who audit a class an award is worthwhile. While all students are pursuing their educations and broadening their horizons by attending college, there’s something extra special about students taking on a course just for the sake of learning. Reward students who often go unacknowledged for going above and beyond with a certificate of completion.

No matter what awards you choose to celebrate your college students this season, PaperDirect has the certificates, trophies, and other awards you need to thank them for their hard work – or dedication to wearing PJs to class. Browse our range of recognition products today!

April 2, 2018

What Kind of Employee Are You? [Quiz]

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 10:17 am

what kind of employee are you

If you work in an office, you know the classic cast of characters – the office gossip, the overachiever, and the rookie seem to make an appearance in every office. While you may think that you’re above labels (except, of course, “greatest employee of all time”), it’s likely that you fall into a certain employee category just like all your coworkers. Instead of guessing what kind of employee you are, take this quiz from PaperDirect to learn whether you’re a social butterfly, disappearing act, or something in between. Click the image below to start the quiz!

what kind of employee are you

Link above didn’t work? Access the quiz here

 

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