Did you know that some of the world’s most successful leaders wear the same thing to the office every day? One of the most legendary, and minimal, work attire belonged to the late Steve Jobs. The main reason for this sequence of clothing? To make less decisions. Being a boss or manager is all about decision making. It can be challenging to recognize your employees’ best efforts when your mind is always on to the next thing. No matter what wardrobe you wear into the office, we’re here to help you get ideas on how to better recognize your employees.
Managerial Recognition
There are two types of recognition that go on in the workplace. Managerial recognition is the most popular of the two. This is where supervisors or managers, or even company owners, keep a detailed tab of each employee and later awards them for their efforts. Sure, it seems easy to think that a person on a level of superiority should be the one rewarding the employees. Although, it is not always fair. Since managers and supervisors are on a busy schedule to begin with, they may not be too familiar with office politics and duties assigned within each. Thus, these decisions can seem a bit biased or unfair to others. This very much depends on business size. If it’s a small start-up or family operated business, it can be fair. On a large corporate level, it can be tricky.
The benefits of managerial recognition are that employees will feel pleased knowing that their superiors are praising them. One of the best ways to recognize employees is to ask managers to keep track of important milestones, such as anniversaries or making top sales. Employees who are recognized tend to make it a priority to excel in the workplace, especially when they’re rewarded for specific actions. Sales goal awards, for examples, are a great way to boost motivation in the workplace while also creating a healthy sense of competition amongst employees.
To create a sense of succession, consider implementing perpetual plaques if you’re looking for managerial recognition award ideas. Perfect for top sales, employee of the month, outstanding achievement, and any other titles, perpetual plaques are a great way to create a connected narrative. Just imagine how accomplished your workers will feel when they see their name highlighted on a perpetual plaque and consider the amount of motivation some employees will feel when they see their name on the board.
Peer to Peer Recognition
Some have never heard of “peer to peer recognition.” This is where it is encouraged by management for employees to rate and recognize each other instead. Surprising to most who have never tried it before, this is usually the best way to create more workplace recognition. Colleagues know exactly what tasks are being done and who is accomplishing the most in their team. Not only can this behavior form a strong sense of camaraderie, it can create special bonds and forms of honesty. According to this article, “peer-to-peer recognition is 35.7% more likely to have a positive impact on financial results than manager-only recognition.”
Peer to peer recognition works the best when they gift given is intimate and unique, tailored to the other person. While managerial awards are vaguer, goal-oriented, and regal in nature, peer to peer recognition awards can be flexible and inventive. Personalized corporate gifts can include simple office tools like engraved pens or paper weights. Gift cards and certificates to stores and activities are also great options.
Examples of Employee Recognition
Whether it is manager to employee or peer-to-peer recognition, there are many unique ways to showcase your appreciation. Some companies use special apps for the staff to use on a daily basis (you can send digital high fives, etc.). Others like to be more original and reward their peers with a small token of appreciation. Some like to send companywide emails each month to highlight those who’ve accomplished time sensitive goals, others send a hand-written thank you note.
Employee Recognition Award Ideas
In conclusion, if you’re a boss or business owner, you’d probably prefer to step it up. While practical corporate gifts like personalized pens or engraved glass pieces can be the cherry on top for the annual recognition awards ceremony, don’t be afraid to think bigger! Corporate gifts for employees can be extravagant pieces of recognition that don’t necessarily relate to work. Consider large art glass awards that can dominate offices or desks, or a crystal plaque that will shine brightly against the light and be the talk of the office. How long does it take to engrave a plaque? If you’re looking to give an impromptu gift or recognition award, don’t fret. We can have your chosen award engraved and shipped out just in time for your next awards ceremony.
