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September 29, 2014

September 22, 2014

What to Say When Presenting an Award [Script]

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — PDWriter @ 8:43 am
Shooting Star Certificate Jacket by PaperDirect

One of the most effective ways to make employees and volunteers feel appreciated is by presenting them with an elegant award in recognition of their service.

Awards in and of themselves are always welcomed by recipients. But why not go the extra mile and present the award in front of others along with a short, heartfelt speech about their contributions?

Don’t know where to begin? Here are a few tips, along with a sample script, that should help get you started.

The Opener

First, start with a funny or touching anecdote about the person if possible. This sets up the framework for what makes the employee, teacher, volunteer, student, or essential worker special. However, make sure it’s not too personal or potentially embarrassing.

Talk about Why

Describe some of the recipient’s accomplishments and relate it to why they’re receiving the award. Although they may have a long list of achievements, try to keep it relatively brief and play up the ones that are most significant.

Look Outside of Work

Give a quick, general description of the recipient as a person outside of their accomplishments. Are they funny or warm? Do they have other significant interests or hobbies? Are there particular quirks they’re known for?

Finish it Up

Wrap it up with the presentation itself and lead the applause.

Try This Sample Script

Feel free to use this as a template for your own presentation.

The first day Joan Henry volunteered at the Southview SPCA, she performed a miracle. In one dog run was a little scared poodle named Gigi. Gigi had cowered from everyone who tried to approach her and refused to eat, and the staff was getting concerned. Joan asked if she could try. The staff agreed but told her not to get her hopes up. Joan entered the run, sat down and remained perfectly still for the longest time. Finally, Gigi crept out of the corner, sniffed Joan and then, to our amazement, curled up in Joan’s lap and fell asleep. It was one of the most remarkable things any of us had ever seen.

Since that day 10 years ago, Joan has become an invaluable and beloved member of the Southview family. During that time, by some estimates, she has walked 10,000 dogs and scooped 25,000 litter boxes. She has helped organize fundraising events, assisted at vaccination clinics and got Southview set up on social media. And she’s done all this without ever being paid a dime.

Joan is passionate and compassionate, determined and soft-hearted. She has boundless energy, is quick to laugh and, as all of us here know, is completely obsessed with pistachio ice cream. Countless animals owe her their thanks and we here at Southview owe her even more.

Ladies and gentleman, the Southview SPCA’s volunteer of the year — Joan Henry!

Custom Plaque for Schools or Businesses

We wish you luck in creating your own speeches for recognition! If you’re looking for a high-quality award to present, look no further than PaperDirect’s selection of awards and certificates. Browse our selection today!

September 12, 2014

10 Simple Ways to Cheer up Your Staff

Stacked Stars Certificates by PaperDirect

It’s common knowledge that the happier the worker, the more productive they become. Therefore, as an employer, you will likely appreciate these 10 ways to cheer up your employees:

Acknowledge Accomplishments

Sometimes, all it takes to lift someone’s spirits is a simple thank you or acknowledgment of the hard work that they do. You can accomplish this by saying it person-to-person, or you can write a thank you note.

Create a Certificate or Award

Have a mini award ceremony and award an employee who has worked overtime or went above and beyond with a mini certificate. Or choose one of the many options standard size certificates at Paper Direct.

Give Bonuses

Awards and thank you notes are great, but if your company can afford it, offering dedicated employees bonuses is an even more effective way to increase morale.

Consider a Raise

Today, the cost of virtually everything is increasing. Therefore, if you can, raising an employee’s income is a great way to increase their happiness.

Offer Extra Vacation Days

If your budget does not allow for an increase in income, offer more vacation days as a way to show your employees you appreciate all their hard work.

Fix Up Your Office

Make the office a place that is positive for employees. For example, comfy couches, a TV in the break room, or a free drink and snack day are all great ways to improve employee morale.

free vending machine snacks

Listen

Many times, your employees will have a good idea for how to accomplish any given task–sometimes it may even better than your idea. Therefore, listen to your employees and recognize a good idea when you hear it, and be sure to give them the credit.

Have Fun, and Encourage Them to Have Fun

Every so often, have a “Goof-off Day.” Allow your employees to wear shorts and sandals, and encourage them to play some games for a few hours, such as darts or even go disc golfing as a group.

Fire a Problem-maker

It is your job as the boss to cut the dead-weight and fire an employee who is not doing their job adequately, or at the very least give them a warning. Cutting out the unproductive person and replacing them with someone who will pull their weight will help those employees who work hard each and every day.

Be Aware

Contempo Modern Certificates by PaperDirect

Finally, be aware of the morale levels in your office. After all, if you never gauge your employees morale levels, you can never seek to improve working conditions and overall employee happiness.

Follow the 10 tips listed above to raise your employees’ morale and in turn make your workplace more productive.

September 8, 2014

Cute & Lighthearted Songs for your Wedding

Filed under: DIY Wedding Ideas — PDWriter @ 9:59 am

Cute & Lighthearted Songs for your Wedding

While romantic, heartfelt love songs certainly have their time and place, some couples want to take a more lighthearted approach to their weddings songs and first dance.

If that’s you, browse this playlist and find a simple wedding song that can become a romantic favorite over the next years together. 

Songs:

Nothin about Love Makes Sense – LeAnn Rimes

Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars

Home – Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeros

You and I – Ingrid Michaelson

1,2,3,4 – Plain White T’s

I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

Lucky – Jason Mraz & Colbie Cailat

Would You go with Me – Josh Turner

Ours – Taylor Swift

I Do – Colbie Caillet

Everything – Michael Buble

Wildfire – John Mayer

Your Song – Ellie Goulding

Marry you – Bruno Mars

Do you have an amazing wedding song you’d like to share? Comment below! 

September 5, 2014

The Do’s and Don’ts of an Unforgettable Office Party

Filed under: Office Fun — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 8:14 am

17It’s almost that time of year again. You know the one. Office party time!

Office parties can be a great way to show employees appreciation and give them a chance to relax and socialize. And it’s not just fun for employees; it has real workplace benefits like idea sharing, morale building and turnover reduction.

However, it’s important to structure office parties so that they’re fun but still retain a professional atmosphere. Here are a few do’s and don’ts when planning your next office party.

Don't

Put pressure on employees to attend

Let’s face it. Some people just don’t enjoy parties. Others may feel strongly that they want to keep their work and private lives separate. Respect their choices and feelings, and emphasize that party attendance is entirely voluntary.

 

Skimp on the refreshments

Make sure you have plenty of food and beverages on hand for the number of guests expected.

refreshments

Nothing will kill a party faster than an empty hors d’oeuvre tray. If you don’t have a budget for a big spread, there’s nothing wrong with a potluck. But make sure you provide the basics so that employees aren’t doing all the work.

 

Talk shop all night

Because of the relaxed setting, office parties can generate great ideas and innovations, and that certainly shouldn’t be discouraged. But try to remind employees to have fun and keep the festivities as un-worklike as possible.

 

Let things get out of hand

There’s a fine line between encouraging employees to have fun and letting things go too far. Keep an eye on the festivities and immediately address any behavior that is disruptive or making others uncomfortable.

If this becomes necessary, handle the situation in a calm, professional, respectful manner.

Do

Distribute a formal invitation

Although email invitations are nice, there’s nothing like receiving an actual printed invite. A formal invitation lends an immediate air of class to the event and shows employees how much they are valued.

Allow employees to bring guests

Guests help employees feel more comfortable and make the function seem less work-like.

Plus, guests let co-workers see what each other’s lives are like outside of the office setting. Feel free to put a limit on the number of guests they can bring, but definitely encourage them.

Pick a theme

Christmas TreeSure, holidays parties may seem to have their own built-in theme. But what about going the extra step and hosting a “Ugly Christmas Sweater” party or “Zombie Halloween Party”?

Themes add a little extra levity and creativity, and they’re great ice breakers and conversation starters.

Specify a dress code

If you decide against the theme idea, make sure that a dress code is specified in the invitation. This sets the tone for the party and takes pressure off employees by letting them know what to expect.

With a little thought and planning, your office party will be an event employees with appreciate and talk about for years to come!

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