Cheap Recognition Ideas
When it comes to business relationships, recognition can be a powerful tool. A small gift or gesture of goodwill can let an employee or associate know that they're doing a good job, while also letting others know that hard work is not only noticed but rewarded. In times of fiscal prudence, employee recognition becomes even more important because it helps minimize employee turnover and provides motivation.
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Handmade Gifts
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Create a card or small homemade trophy personalized with the recipient's name and accomplishment. Make a decorative banner and string it across the work area. Hand-write coupons and vouchers that give the employee special privileges like an extra-long lunch break, a day of working from home, or the opportunity to choose their next project. Create and decorate a "Hall of Fame" wall in the break room on which to post employee picture and notes of praise.
Low-Cost Gifts
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Give movie tickets, flowers, candy, car wash vouchers, a book by their favorite author or tickets to a ball game. Bring the employee a bunch of balloons or a coffee mug for their desk. If the person has recently been promoted, consider giving a gift that might help in their new position, such as a new day-planner or a book or magazine subscription that relates to their career. You can also bring them a cup of their favorite coffee or morning beverage.
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Events
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Organize a special event in the person's honor that lets everyone join in the fun. Have a water gun fight in the parking lot on a casual day, or buy lunch for them and three or four co-workers of their choice. Have a department break where you recognize the person's hard work and thank them in front of everyone. To show recognition for a group, designate a week in their name--Custodian Week, Student Worker Week, etc.--and give each person a small gift during that period. Plan a surprise indoor or outdoor picnic and make the employee the guest of honor.
Take Action
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Volunteer to do the employee's least favorite task. Submit information about the employee's contributions to the editor of the department newsletter. Bring up their special efforts during a staff meeting or in a group email. If the employee has truly gone above and beyond the call of duty, you might even consider recommending them for advancement in the company.
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References
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- Photo Credit thank image by Mykola Velychko from Fotolia.com
