With the new year comes new opportunities for your business. No doubt, gearing up with fresh ideas, promotions and marketing tactics. So why not include a brand new program to recognize and reward your most valuable asset: your employees!
Keeping employees happy is an important part creating and running a successful business. In fact, research conducted by the University of Warwick found that happiness increased productivity by 12 percent.
Professor Andrew Oswald, one of the lead researchers on the study, noted that, 
“Companies like Google have invested more in employee support, and employee satisfaction has risen as a result. For Google, it rose by 37%.”
In other words, says Professor Oswald, “Making workers happier really pays off.”
And the best news? Just a little bit of effort on the part of the employer goes a long way. Even small gestures can reap big rewards.
Wondering where to begin? Consider implementing an Employee of the Month program. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Form a committee
While this is not an absolute necessity, it’s helpful to have more than one person in charge of selection. Ask for volunteers and make sure they’re from different levels and departments (managers, administrative, creative, etc.).
Decide on selection criteria
What types of traits, attributes or accomplishments will the committee consider? Some ideas are teamwork, outstanding customer service, innovation, money or time-saving ideas, etc. Ask the committee to discuss and decide upon the criteria that makes the most sense for your company.
Establish eligibility
It’s important to make it clear who is eligible for the award and how often. Will every employee be eligible for the award every month? Or will winners be excluded from winning again for a period of time? Will managers and executive staff be considered or is it just for those “in the trenches”?
Define the nomination process
Decide how nominations will be determined and/or accepted. Will the selection committee come up with the nominees? Or will the names be submitted by managers only or open to the entire staff? Establish a monthly or quarterly deadline and create a short nomination form.
Determine what the winner will receive
Depending on your budget and resources, the options are almost limitless. You could reward your Employee of the Month with a gift certificate to a local restaurant, paid time off or a parking place close to the door. And of course, an elegant award certificate that they can display in their work space is always appreciated.
Feel free to get creative and have fun. An employee recognition program doesn’t require a lot of time or money to have a big impact on your staff and your bottom line!
Shop PaperDirect today for all your certificate, trophy and plaque needs and show your employees how much they matter to your