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Employee recognition is not just a nice thing to do for people. Employee recognition is a
communications tool which reinforces and rewards the most important outcomes people create
for your business. When you recognize people effectively, you reinforce, with your chosen
means of recognition, the actions and behaviors you most want people to see repeat.
According to Susan M. Healthfield, About.com, an effective employee recognition system is
simple, immediate and powerfully reinforcing.
"When you consider employee recognition processes," Healthfield says. "You need to develop
recognition that is equally powerful for both the organization and the employee."
Following are the five most important issues to consider if you want the recognition you
offer to be viewed as motivating and rewarding by your employees, and important for the
success of your organization.
All employees must be eligible for the recognition
The recognition must supply the employer and employee with specific information about what
behaviors or actions are being rewarded or recognized.
Anyone who then performs at the level or standard stated in the criteria receives the
award.
The recognition should occur as close to the performance of the actions as possible, so
the recognition reinforces behavior the employer wants to encourage.
You don't want to design a process in which managers "select" the people to receive
recognition. This type of process will forever be viewed as "favoritism" or talked about
as "It's your turn to get recognized this month."
Careful planning is the most important part of an effective awards program. When
developing one, you should consider the following.
Identify the program's purpose and objectives
Do you want to establish a stronger
identity for your organization or match the personality of the recipient? Do you want to
recognize individual or team achievements? Answers to these questions will help you design
the right program for your organization.
Decide the kinds of awards you want
The key to successful recognition is selecting the
appropriate kind of award. Tangible awards have proven to be the most effective way -
better than money or other means - to say "thank you" or "good job." In deciding whether
to give a plaque, pin, or desk accessory, keep in mind that an appropriate award is:
- Representative of what is accomplished
- Attractive enough to wear or keep at home orin the office
- Consistent with the purpose and image of the organization
- Right for the level or importance of the achievement
- In line with the company's budget
- Well crafted with the highest quality materials affordable
Establish a budget and schedule
There are many ways to recognize people and the most
expensive are not necessarily the best.
It's best to work with an award professional who can help design a budget to meet your
objectives and get the most with the funds you have. They will also help you schedule your
orders to get what you want without having to pay rush charges.
Plan for the awards presentation
Part of what makes an award memorable and appreciated is
the way it is presented. Think ahead about how and when you will present the awards.
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