Top 10 Employee Recognition Ideas
Top 10 Employee Recognition Ideas
Best Gifts to Recognize Team Members
Work isn’t supposed to always be easy, but a lot of employees go above and beyond in their jobs on a regular basis. And even when that’s done purposely and with intention, it’s definitely nice to be recognized for those achievements.
Everything from changing schedules and evolving job descriptions to pitching in during times of turnover can make work more challenging than usual. That’s why finding ways to show employee appreciation is so important — for the employee as well as the employer.
Why Should I Recognize Employees?
At first glance, recognizing your employees has one main perk: letting them know they’re appreciated. The benefits reach far beyond that, though. It can also be great for your business! Here’s how.
Show the Bigger Picture
By recognizing their work, you show your employees that their role is important and that it’s an integral part of the larger company. Fun team recognition ideas remind everyone that they’re part of a greater whole and that it takes a group of people to keep everything running smoothly.
Reinforce Your Company’s Values
Whether you show your thanks with employee recognition gifts, days off, or group excursions, this is an opportunity to reinforce your company’s values. By recognizing specific actions or behaviors that you like in employees, you communicate to them what is most valuable to the company. In turn, they’re more likely to continue those practices and serve as an example to others.
Support Individual and Team Goals
Employee recognition is a sign that you’re paying attention to those meeting their goals and that you think it’s worthy of celebration. Whether it’s a personal goal or a work goal, spotlighting ambitions makes employees feel seen. Plus, it can help coworkers connect as they learn more about one another and realize they have similar interests.
Decrease Turnover
The more appreciated an employee feels, the more likely they will be to continue working for the company. Even something as simple as giving out employee recognition gifts can have a positive impact on turnover rates.
10 Best Ways to Recognize Employees
Looking for ways to show employee appreciation? We have 10 easy-to-do ideas for you.
Celebrate Them On Social Media
Most people love a bit of attention. Thanking your employees publicly on social media lets them shine, and it gives others the opportunity to comment with compliments, too.
Have an Employee Wellness Day
Give everyone an at-the-office day off (or half-day off) and set up a wellness retreat. Hire a yoga instructor or massage therapist, provide face masks, bring in service animals, or do whatever else you think your team would appreciate most wellness-wise.
Give Them a Break
How about a good old-fashioned break to show your employees they mean so much? Offer extra paid time off they can use when they want, send them home before lunch, or close the office on a Friday to extend the weekend.
Write a Recommendation on LinkedIn
For employees who are looking to expand their network, show you support them by writing a recommendation on LinkedIn. While you may think this will help them find a new job, it can actually increase employee loyalty because they’ll know how much confidence you have in them.
Arrange Meetings With Senior Leadership
Even if a direct manager demonstrates appreciation for an employee, senior leadership may never know how much of an asset they are. Set up a professional chat, lunch, or meeting to introduce your team member to a senior manager and discuss the important work they’re doing.
Organize a Team Picnic
Give a department or team special attention by hosting a picnic where everyone can get together outside the office. (Bonus points if you do this during work hours.) Consider inviting people in leadership roles, too, so they can get to know the department better and make new connections.
Leave a Sticky Note
Even with all the best employee recognition gift ideas in the world, few things are more impactful than a simple, handwritten note. Whenever an employee does something noteworthy, leave them a brief note (pun intended!) to let them know you’re paying attention.
Provide Opportunities for Further Growth
There are all sorts of ways that employees can grow in their role or at their company. For example, they can take educational courses, find a mentor, or attend an industry conference. Providing these opportunities for your employees shows that you want to invest in their success.
Create an Employee Recognition Program
An employee recognition program is a way to make employee appreciation a standard part of the culture instead of a now-and-then nicety. Create a structure with fixed rewards that employees can always be working towards.
Give Thoughtful Custom Gifts
There are so many positives to giving corporate gifts to show your employees appreciation, like employee retention, improved brand reputation, and better brand awareness. Not only do we have plenty of company recognition gift ideas to choose from at Merchology, but our Buy Now, Ship Later option lets you order gifts in bulk and have them shipped on a schedule that works for you.
Contact Us
Do you need employee recognition gift ideas that will promote your brand at the same time? Get in touch with a Merchologist today. We’ll also walk you through the ins and outs of the Buy Now, Ship Later program.