The Importance of Employee Recognition Programs

Whether your business is small, large or anywhere in between, you should implement an employee recognition program. Doing so will not only reduce your turnover rate, but it will also encourage workers to push themselves for excellence. Far too many businesses owners and managers overlook this fundamental principle, resulting in poor performance by their employees. This, of course, can be prevented with an employee recognition program in place.

The single most notable benefit of employee recognition programs is their show of appreciation to the hard-working individuals in your business or company. Rather than simply cutting a paycheck to your employees, you can go one step further by rewarding those who excel at their job. This show of appreciation and recognition will encourage employees to go above and beyond the call of duty. Studies have shown that employees work harder and more efficiently when they are "recognized" for everything they do.

Trophies and Awards

There are dozens of ideas for employee recognition programs, one of which is a personalized trophy or award. If an employee is able to produce X amount of sales within a fiscal quarter or given time period, then perhaps you can reward them with a personalized trophy. This is an excellent form of recognition that will serve as a sense of accomplishment to the recipient. If he or she ever needs a boost of self-confidence, they can look back at their trophy.

Of course, a personalized wall plaque is another excellent idea for recognizing employees. Unlike trophies, plaques can be flush-mounted to the wall. You can choose to either give the personalized plaque to the employee, or you can mount it on the wall where others can see it.

Other Recognition Ideas...

Cash is another form of employee recognition that many businesses use. If you are looking for a universal reward that all employees will appreciate, you can't go wrong with cold hard cash. Offering a bonus check to workers who meet a certain criteria is a great way to promote efficiency in the workplace.

Gift cards can work just well, if not better, than cash for employee recognition programs. Try creating "tiers" for your employees to strive for.  If an employee reaches one of the lower tiers with their sales, leads, promotions, etc., then you can reward them with a $50 gift card. However, if they reach a higher tier, you can reward them with a $100 or even $500 gift card.