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When it comes to keeping good employees, companies have developed employee retention programs and some are willing to try just about anything short of using a ball and chain to prevent an employee from leaving. They’ll use monetary incentives, benefit inducements and a whole host of other techniques to try to maintain the employee loyalty that keeps them there. While there are no sure-fire ways to ensure an employee will stick, there are a lot of little things that will keep an employee from looking to change jobs in the first place.

Granted, paying an employee a competitive wage for their efforts is the main way to keep them on the team. Also, having health insurance and other benefits in place also encourages an employee to stick. But as powerful as those two incentives are, very rarely are they capable of having the impact that good quality employee recognition does.

Employees want to know that their efforts are noticed and that they’re a valid part of the company instead of being just another timecard. When employees get that recognition, whether it’s a certificate or award, a nameplate on a plaque or even the recipient of “special” employee gifts like stationery and post-it notes, that lets them know they’re being seen. While there are some employees that could care less whether anyone knows they’re around, good employees appreciate the recognition because it makes them a part of-instead of apart from, a team.

These are the employees that, when given the recognition they deserve, are willing to work the extra hours, are willing to go that extra mile for the employer, customers and clients. They’re even willing to work for a company that will recognize their efforts rather than work for one for more money that doesn’t. Knowing what an employee wants in order to be that loyal employee isn’t very difficult. They want the company to be loyal to them, and that is what an employee retention program provides.

One aspect of working for a big company is that employees do get recognized for their contribution. It’s been proven that showing appreciation for employees is a big morale booster and that it improves productivity. Some corporate management feels that recognition programs cost too much money, but studies have shown that even inexpensive employee gifts have just as much positive impact on employee morale than those costing hundreds, even thousands of dollars.

Employees may appreciate the big gifts like a vacation, corporate car, gift cards to fancy restaurants or high end stores, but even less expensive gifts will reach out and touch an employee as effectively as something more expensive. All too often, the expensive gifts are given to one or maybe two employees a year. This means the “regular Joe” really doesn’t stand much of a chance when it comes to getting those rewards. But being able to give inexpensive employee gifts to lots of deserving employees will do more to boost morale and make happier employees a lot faster and easier than the one-off expensive gifts.

Even little things like personalized Post-It notes, notepads or note cards with their name on it lets the employee know that the company is paying attention to the efforts they make. And when they use those rewards, like putting that personalized Post-it note on a stack of papers, it lets them show others that the company has noticed them. Not only does it serve as a recognition tool, but as an encouragement tool to others as well. And there are lots of other inexpensive gifts for employees that aren’t expensive either that also work quite well as recognition tools.

All in all, employees want to be recognized by the company for their contribution. And, they want others to know that the company has recognized them as well. With such great gifts available that don’t cost a lot, it enables HR departments and upper management to truly show their appreciation.

Realistically, no one wants to have to think that their employees could have issues significant enough to affect the overall business. No one really has a desire to believe that someone they’ve hired could do something to damage the company because of issues in their home life that can affect their performance, or even cause them to deliberately make choices that can become disastrous for the company and the rest of the employees as well. Here are 10 things to keep an eye out for in employees that need to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent a major catastrophe.

1. Pay attention to overall morale and if there’s a negative shift, take steps to address it immediately. It could be something as simple as a newsletter that gets included in everyone’s check envelope designed to uplift everyone’s morale

2. If you hear of an employee with a relationship issue don’t ignore it. Have one of those “parental” talks, even if the employee is older than you are. At least the employee will know you care about their situation. Having literature and brochures about family health can help alleviate issues and even save those relationships.

3. If an employee has a death in the family, show immediate sympathy and support. If the death is of a spouse or close family member, not only are sympathy cards and letters effective, but the offer of paid time off and even psychological or other medical support is helpful as well.

4. In these tough economic times, many employee issues are financial ones. While a small to medium sized business may not be able to directly help employees with loans, extra hours or even raises, they can put together workshops and other aids to help employees cope with economic hardships. Effectively promote these programs with bulletin board announcements, or a note in pay envelopes.

5. While the topic of inter-office relationships is a difficult one to deal with, even when they are expressly forbidden in the HR manuals, they still take place. Instead of dealing harshly with them, try to find ways to meet the needs of the company while helping people build good relationships. They may have to work in different departments or buildings, or even cities, but helping employees with their relationships shows them that the company does care about more than the bottom line.

6. While inter-office relationships can actually make for a stronger company in some cases, in others there could be major outside ramifications. For instance, if there’s infidelity involved, that could have far reaching impact on the company. If this is the case, then all those involved will need to be included in whatever decisions are made. While relationships are important, those that could damage the company need to be dealt with carefully.

7. Watch for pattern changes in employee behaviors. If an employee starts being consistently late or starts working over as much as possible, sit down with them and evaluate why this is happening. It could be something as innocuous as a spouse’s job change affecting wake-up times, or it could be a health related issue that needs to be addressed

8. Also keep an eye on employee productivity. Most employees will work great for the first few weeks to show they can be “great”, but then will drop to a “normal” level. If that productivity drops off dramatically, or increases just as dramatically, there’s a deeper employee issue there that needs to be addressed. The only way to know what the issue is will be to ask the employee directly.

9. and 10. Employees relish being appreciated. If you see some behavior changes in an employee that aren’t directly attributable to health or family related employee issues, it could simply be that they don’t feel like the company sees the contribution they make. That’s where having Employee Appreciation days and events can make a huge difference. Also, having incentive programs for safety and for productivity can help employees that may not feel as appreciated to reach for the incentives, enabling them to get that satisfaction in a more tangible way.

While it would seem that one person couldn’t affect the morale of an entire company that can actually be the case. Finding the ways to build that strong sense of community and family with all the employees in the company is one way of being able to both build up morale and also to know what is going on with everyone within the organization. Some companies don’t keep up with employee issues, but the companies that are strong, that will survive and grow are the ones that do.

Recognizing employee efforts and progress is a simple, yet effective way of boosting employee morale and encouraging production. All too often, employers feel they can’t give the employees the recognition they deserve because they’re afraid it costs too much and they won’t be able to afford to continue to recognize employees for their efforts. While there can be costs involved, many times the most effective employee recognition can cost less that $10, and many times can be free. Some inexpensive, yet very effective ideas are:

1) Gift card to a local restaurant for lunch
2) Certificate in recognition of good work
3) Diploma for completion of a course or for years of service
4) Thank you card in appreciation of their efforts
5) A post-it note included in the pay envelope with words of appreciation
6) A plate on an existing plaque for Employee of the Month or similar award
7) Being brought to the front and given a hand-shake during a party or celebration

Most of these methods don’t cost anything, or cost less than a dollar to do. While that doesn’t seem like a lot, to the employee, it’s not what they receive that’s important. It’s the simple fact that they’ve been recognized and that their work and effort is appreciated. While bonuses and raises are all wonderful things, sometimes the simplest pat on the back is what encourages the employee to continue to excel at their job.

Good employees are hard to find and rewarding those that show loyalty, initiative, drive and are great assets for the company need to be recognized for their efforts. Choose a variety of great ideas for employee recognition with awards and certificates for your recognition program—you’ll be prepared for everything from the most casual to the most formal presentations!

1. Certificates & MiniAwards Build the foundation of your recognition program with full-size Certificates and MiniAwards. These versatile formats help you present exceptional personalized awards for a variety of reasons, events, and occasions. Add a jacket to your certificate and you’ve created an inexpensive yet lasting tribute.
2. LetterTop™ & Gift Certificates When recognition also means reward, consider using a format that lets you present a gift at the same time. A LetterTop Certificate provides room for a letter of explanation and includes a tear-off certificate at the bottom. Gift certificates are the perfect way to give deserving employees something extra—from a dinner for two to a paid day off! Other ideas could include:
   • Free coffee for a week
   • A close-in reserved parking space for a month
   • A substantial discount on your company’s products or services
3. Lasting Awards Some achievements absolutely require a standout form of recognition. You’ll be prepared when you add a selection of special awards to your recognition program. Kudos™, plaques, and framed, matted awards help you make the most of your recognition dollars while presenting awards recipients are proud to display.
4. Fun & Informal Create lively on-the-spot awards that are unique, fun, and bring a smile to everyone’s face. Give a coupon that’s a thoughtful surprise—present a clever handwritten award—make a gift of a fun-to-read book. Let your imagination soar and you’ll discover ideas that motivate and inspire excellence from every person in your company. Other casual recognition awards could be:
   • A box of candy
   • Tickets to the movies
   • A paid afternoon off
   • Breakfast at work–on you
   • Free passes to the zoo or a museum
   • A small floral bouquet or a live plant

When it comes to keeping things flowing at work, production up and employees happy, nothing helps like finding ways to boost employee morale. These could be big things like parties and celebrations, and they could be little things like a card in the paycheck expressing appreciation. Here are 20 sure fire ways to increase employee satisfaction and morale:

1. A raise always helps boost spirits, but isn’t always feasible in this economy. Although, sometimes even a token raise of a penny or two an hour shows employees their efforts are appreciated.
2. A thank you card or note in the paycheck envelope as mentioned above does show the employee that their effort is noticed.
3. A special parking spot near a door or in a prominent location can be used as an incentive or reward
4. A locker or fridge magnet for Employee of the Month or some other morale boosting phrase can be put on a locker or in the break room to encourage morale
5. Birthday cards show employees that they are important by honoring their birthday
6. Holiday cards also improve morale and build a better company community
7. Award bonuses for performance encourages productivity
8. Recognition awards and certificates for attendance and a whole host of other little things encourages employees to be consistent and timely
9. Diplomas and bonuses for “company birthdays” for years with the company
10. Certificates or awards for ways to improve efficiency
11. Bonuses and awards for cost saving measures and ideas
12. Invitations to company events like Christmas parties and other celebrations. This not only gives the employee the “official status” of being invited, but can also be used as an RSVP for planning
13. Employee family recognition cards can be given out during holidays and other occasions like graduation. This shows the employee that not only does the company care about them, but their family too
14. Awards or diplomas for personal goal achievements like quitting smoking or losing weight. These encourage employees to be healthier.
15. Safety awards and cards to encourage employees to be safe and not get injured on the job
16. Production awards and incentive certificates to encourage employees to maintain or boost production levels
17. “Perk” awards like a “day off” certificate to add a lighter atmosphere with a random “award”
18. Back to school coupon deals with local stores shows those employees with school-age kids the company is paying attention
19. and 20. Non-standard Christmas and New Year’s parties show employees the company is forward thinking and progressive. Instead of the same old parties, why not have a pool party in a hotel or some other themed party totally not what the occasion is about?

Employee recognition and morale is all about showing the employee they are important and that the company is appreciative of their efforts and who they are. All too often, employees feel like they’re just a number in the machine. Showing them the company is paying attention definitely improves attitudes.