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20 Creative (And Affordable) Ideas For Employee Recognition

By: Kelly Chesterson

20 Creative (And Affordable) Ideas For Employee Recognition

Good employees are the most valuable resource a business has because they ultimately are the ones responsible for making the most of a business’s other resources. Although many companies have programs in place for employee recognition, these programs are mostly tenure-based. This means employees are recognized simply for how long they have been with the company, rather than the contributions they make every day to further the company’s growth and success. Recognizing employees for a job well done has been shown to be effective at encouraging them to give their best effort and making them feel appreciated. Yet most companies don’t have the resources to give gifts or financial incentives as often as they might like.

That’s why it’s important for businesses to understand that employee recognition doesn’t have to take the form of bonuses on their paychecks or expensive gifts all the time. There are plenty of creative and affordable ways companies can recognize their employees’ hard work and effort that also are easy to implement. Although these ideas don’t have the flair of a gold watch or a big salary increase, they can be just as effective in communicating to employees how much their employers value their contributions and appreciate their efforts.

Some of these ideas take the form of actual prizes, but these can be relatively small and inexpensive items that nevertheless can help employees feel appreciated. For example, a point or ticket system that allows employees to cash in their points for rewards such as time off or a special lunch can be effective. Having a special trophy to honor an employee’s hard work that can be passed around can help build office camaraderie and team spirit while also recognition of individual effort. Some managers keep a special journal or social media account that tracks all of the times they witness employees going above and beyond the call of duty and share them with the team. Even a simple thank you note left on an employee’s desk can make a difference.

Other forms of employee recognition are less physical but no less substantial. Managers can schedule regular meetings where employees are encouraged to share their personal accomplishments and praise co-workers who have exceeded expectations. Keeping an open door policy helps employees feel that their managers are open to feedback and care about their concerns. Calling employees into the office for a quick “good job” is another easy and inexpensive way to recognize employees for their hard work.

Recognizing employees for their contributions doesn’t have to mean passing out a gold watch every week. Employers have many tools at their disposal for making their employees feel valued. Check out the list below and see if there are any ideas you can use in your workplace.



Author bio: Kelly Chesterson is Vice President of Operations for Point Recognition. Chesterson holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Baldwin-Wallace College and is a Certified Engagement Practitioner. She has worked in the reward and recognition industry for more than eight years. 

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