The 2010 take on the employee recognition award

With the state of the 2010 economy, both employers and employees are looking to save money whenever possible. Here we have a new take on the old style employee recognition award that may be applauded by employers and employees alike. Instead of the uninteresting plain black frame with the paper award festooned with the perennial gold star, consider how you might give recognition to a deserving employee at about the same cost, but with far more of the warm and fuzzy, as well as greater ROI for you.

In the old days quite long ago that staid, framed paper award was hung in the office like a badge of honor. Whether it meant much to the employee is debatable. From the employee's perspective, say it with cash was and is more rewarding and desirable than the old style employee recognition award.

What?, you say. I can't afford to give raises or cash! It's time you start thinking creatively. There are many ways to acknowledge an employee's good work, effectively and economically. Here are a few fun ideas your employees will appreciate and remember at least until they do get a raise!

Traditionally, the employee recognition award was given to convey the message that the employee was on the right track to the coveted raise. However, sometimes the message received was that the officious looking award was intended to replace a raise. Avoid this sort of misunderstanding. Check out our alternatives.

1.How about a gift certificate to the local subway shop? This amounts to a healthy, free lunch. Your employee saves some cash and feels recognized for the extra effort put out on the latest project.

2.Surely, the employee recognition award candidate deserves a couple of hours off, but still paid. You can allow them to come in late or leave early during a time when projects and deadlines aren't pressing. The employee will view you as a cool employer, while you will reap a reward too that of increased diligence from the grateful employee.

3.Here's a similar twist on the new style of employee recognition awards: when an employee has demonstrated responsibility in discharging their functions over a period of time, you should consider allowing that person to work at home for a certain portion of their regular hours, as possible. Naturally, this won't work for a waitress or store clerk, but many jobs do make this reward possible. You can bet the employee will appreciate this award. You'll save on overhead and may realize increased production. A winner of an idea.

4.There may be occasions where just a short stint of extra effort by an
employee warrants a small, but sincere Thank you. Keep a company account at one of the local movie rental shops and allow employees to rent a DVD or video game or two. Again, they'll think you're cool.

5.The special interest employee recognition award: it's easy enough to discover special interests of employees. For example, you may find an avid bowler, the museum buff, a die-hard gardener or book worm within your organization. Think of the many small, but meaningful ways you might reward any of these employees.

If you thought that the old style employee recognition award was dead, you're right! Use your imagination to save money and enhance your reputation as a fun and cool employer.