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A little kudos goes a long way. If you haven’t yet, it’s time to roll out an effective employee recognition program at your company. Motivate your team to put in 100 percent each day by rewarding their achievements, big and small, throughout the year.

The human resources professionals at HR Technologist explain that recognition is simply showing appreciation in a structured manner. This outreach is known to elevate the overall level of happiness in the office, boost employee job satisfaction, improve team spirit, lower turnover rates, and help maintain a strong company brand. We could all use more of that, right?

Set up An Employee Recognition Program

Create a recognition team to outline, implement, and oversee the new program. The CEO, department supervisors, and human resources should all be invited to attend. For a broader reach, consider including a veteran employee, as well as a new hire or intern, to get a variety of insight and feedback as you plan and carry out the program.

When creating the guidelines for the program, closely marry them with your company’s goals, strategies, and organizational behaviors. When one of these ideals is met, recognition is given.

Next, choose how to implement the system. Is it perpetual and recognition is highlighted daily, or is weekly outreach more appropriate? Decide what is best for the size and structure of your team. For example, some offices do a multi-layered approach, where supervisors can bestow recognition onto their colleagues at any time, while appreciation from senior management is held until a monthly newsletter or annual all-staff meeting.

Finally, measure how effective the program is overall. Give the employees surveys, measure absentee days, gauge the overall flow of the office, check-in on productivity levels, and how well goals are being met. Is the program improving the work environment?

Make the Program Meaningful for Your Staff

Let’s talk about the rewards! A simple thank you from a co-worker can put a pep in your step. Sometimes a token of appreciation for a job well done is more appropriate. The key is devising a sliding scale of recognition methods based on the level and depth performance you’re rewarding. Adding great ideas to a department meeting could be rewarded with a personal note, while hitting a five-year project goal warrants a more substantial gift presented at a company party.

Here are a few ideas for sharing your gratitude:

• An in-person thank you and handshake
• A public shout-out on the company social media
• A handwritten thank you note
• A note in the company newsletter
• A gourmet snack or beverage
• A gift featuring the company logo (coffee mug, shirt, or hat)
• An elegant ink pen
• A monogrammed stationery and note card set
• A lapel pin
• A gift card to a favorite lunch spot
• A framed award certificate
• A small award trophy
• A piece of jewelry (watch, necklace, or ring)
• A weekend getaway
• A financial bonus

Who administers the recognition is also important. Day-to-day recognition can easily be exchanged between lateral employees and direct supervisors. However, when a senior-level executive recognizes the extra effort put forth by a new staff member, it adds value to the interaction.

Above all, make sure the rewards system fits your business structure. Is your company team-focused? Reward teams. Is everyone completing individual tasks? Highlight individuals. And, recognize them in a way that suits them. Millennial workers love public recognition on social media while veteran employees may appreciate a more quiet one-on-one thank you from their supervisor of many years.

Are you ready to stock up on a few employee recognition items to have on hand at your office? PaperDirect offers everything from lapel pins and trophies, to paper certificates and coffee mugs. Browse our online store today!

Your colleague excels. You look forward to collaborating with them and know they put their best foot forward every time you ask for assistance. If you want to give them a more heartfelt thank you than a quick email, an employee recognition letter is the way to go.

If putting your thoughts into words on paper has left you tongue-tied, we’ve got the solution. Craft a one-page document that glorifies their professional skills and unique attributes and gives them genuine praise for the hard work they do at work. Here’s how to write a powerful employee recognition letter: 

Employee Recognition Letter Prep

Before you start writing, brainstorm what topics you want to address. Here’s a list of questions to wake up your brain and get your thoughts organized before updating the sample letter to fit your employee’s needs.

• What projects or achievements instantly stand out in your memory?
• What specific qualities does this employee bring to their work tasks?
• What’s it like to work with this employee on a daily basis?
• Review basic employee stats, including their length of employment and promotions.

Now that you’re in the right mindset, let’s craft that letter. Use this template to guide the structure and flow of the piece, customizing each section to fit the purpose of the letter.

Sample Employee Recognition Letter

Letter Outline

Introduction (1 paragraph): Thank or congratulate them for their hard work and achievements at work.

Body (2 paragraphs): Dive deeper into their achievements and work. How did their actions help you and the business? What specific things did they do to warrant recognition?

Conclusion (1 paragraph): Reiterate your thanks, and highlight how you look forward to working with them in the future.

Sample letter

Dear Leslie,

I wanted to say thank you for the dedication and hard work you’ve put into your job here at ACME industries over the past year. No matter what project you’re tackling, you always bring invaluable insight and motivation to the task.

I was particularly impressed with your work on the presentation for our sales team that lead to a 12 percent increase in their fourth-quarter earnings, which was double their projected growth. Your presentation was a direct catalyst for this growth.

Your attention to detail and determination to see the company succeed and grow into an international namesake is a huge asset. You always bring positivity to the office that inspires the colleagues you supervise, and your background in e-commerce and retail bring a fresh perspective to our business.

It has been an absolute pleasure having you on our team this past year, and I look forward to watching you continue to grow and excel as a part of the ACME team.

Sincerely,

Sarah Conrad

CEO, ACME Industries

Finally, print the employee recognition letter on top-quality monogrammed paper to give it that extra touch of professionalism before sending it off. Shop PaperDirect for the perfect stationery and employee recognition supplies today!