HR Best Practices for an Employee Service Anniversary Reception
Employee service anniversary receptions are a good way to honor the service of one or more individual employees, which not only helps them feel more appreciated but also motivates other workers to continue with the company and reach the same benchmark. The human resources director has a few things to consider when organizing the event to allow it to fulfill its purpose.
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Personalize the Reception
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The purpose of holding an employee service anniversary reception is to recognize the employee's dedication to the company and help him feel appreciated. Organizing a generic gathering makes the event feel more like a part of company policy rather than genuine gratitude. Find a way to customize the reception in a way that reflects the people being honored. Include pictures, individual toasts and decorations that reflect the employee's interests. A company should demonstrate that it knows about the employee as an individual, not just an office worker.
Don't Include Other Recognitions
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Some companies, in an effort to save money and time, lump all awards and recognitions together in one reception at the end of the year. Although this may be economical, it does not make the employees being honored feel special or appreciated. Such an event could run the risk of feeling more like a formality instead of a show of gratitude. Instead, focus the entirety of the dinner or party on the people being recognized for their years of service.
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Let Recipients Choose Rewards
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Some companies give their employees standard gifts at benchmark levels of years served, such as plaques. Many of these plaques, however, get shoved in the back of employees' closets, even if the gesture is appreciated. Instead, let the employee choose the rewards she will receive at the reception. Allow her to pick out of a catalog, giving her a price limit according to the years served. Not only will she receive something she will look forward to, but also the reception may be more interesting to attendees as they get to see what gifts honorees have selected for themselves. The other coworkers may learn something about their colleague as well.
Keep Work out of It
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An employee service reception is suppose to be fun. It allows colleagues to get to know each other outside of the context of work, helping them build stronger relationships. Keep business completely out of the dinner. A manager should not mention upcoming projects, deadlines, or memos regardless of how important they are. Instead, the reception should provide a chance for employees to relax and forget about what is waiting for them back at the office.
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