Selecting The Perfect Employee Recognition Gift

By Author: Dave Davies
Total Articles: 31
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Your employees work hard for you, and employee recognition gifts are the perfect way to show them that you appreciate their efforts. Giving a gift to an employee encourages loyalty and lets them know that their work is respected. It helps boost morality, and can help employees work harder, and with more confidence.

It's not always easy, though, to pick an employee recognition gift. In fact, many employers neglect the employee recognition gift as an extra-added expense. You already pay a wage and possibly benefits, what more do they need?

It's true; you'll be spending a little money on something they probably don't need. The thing is, employees go through tough times too, and sometimes need a boost. They might be working on one of the more difficult projects for your company. They might be traveling on long business trips. They make your business run smoothly. Making them feel appreciated gives them reason to keep going, to keep working. Some small, simple gift can give them the reason to stick with you, when there are lean times. Loyalty is important in business.

Budgeting for Recognition Gifts For Employees ...
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For a small or medium business, it might be hard to imagine spending more money on a gift for employees now and again. Gifts don't have to be expensive at all. You can create or buy a memorable, inexpensive gift that means something and it would be worth more to the receiver than if you buy something at random.

For example, if you know that June in accounting loves to read, maybe you can find a really nice gift certificate to a bookshop, or give a bookmark as a gift. This simple, inexpensive item could mean a lot to your employee. It simply shows that you care enough about them to pay attention.

So the recognition gifts for employees don't have to be expensive to be perfect. Something as simple as a card saying, "Thank You" can mean a lot. That card just shows you mean well and that you certainly hope for more good work from them in the future, and the employee will most likely continue and try harder.

So set aside an amount for each employee throughout the year. It doesn't have to be much. Again, it's not how much you spend; it's the thought behind the gift. So you can keep to your budget, as long as you set it, and set something aside.

You can probably keep a few extra gifts lying around on hand; general ones that someone might enjoy, like gift baskets, and you can give when they need it. Maybe there's a big project coming up, and a strict deadline. You can have something on hand to give an employee that boost to keep working hard.

Remember Who You Are Giving It To

With the above example, you'll probably know that not every employee loves books. In fact, you might not know what everyone will like. There are generic gifts that can be personalized as well. However, get to know your employees, when you have time.

You can find out the simple details in every day conversations with your employees. Notice the music they listen to while they are working, where they suggest they might go on vacation, or what the might do after work. Pay attention, write notes if you need to. These tips of information can help when you are picking out gifts.

Understanding your employees helps you to encourage them with just the right gift. When someone needs a little extra recognition for their efforts, let them have it. Some might need more pep than others, but don't neglect everyone else in your group too. Everyone on your team that works hard deserves to be part of the spotlight on occasion.

If you use more generic gifts, you can still personalize it. A keychain with the employee's name inscribed, or a monogrammed pen set can be just as treasured as anything. That touch of customization shows you went out of your way to make them something they will like.

Awards Are Remembered And Treasured

There are certain programs that many companies participate in, like employee of the month, year, or other types of awards. These can benefit your company, because some people will work harder knowing they might be selected for an award and recognition. It can create some friendly competition, when it is run well.

This is a great opportunity to provide a nice gift for employees, and to have them work for it. Awards can be given out for highest sales numbers by an employee, for good work and dedication throughout the year, even something as simple as not having had to call in sick all year. That's commitment and it should be recognized.

Trophies can be made inexpensively and employees treasure them. It is nice to give them something they can take home and keep and to show to family. They can be customized and made unique for an individual.

You can also hang plaques or keep awards at the workplace. Create an awards case or wall. This help encourages other workers, boosts those who were given awards as well. It's a little thing that can make a big difference in confidence in employees.

Award ceremonies are a great way to hand out awards to employees, and can be a great bonding experience for the group. One evening's dinner and a few awards to the right people makes everyone feel like it isn't just about the work, and that as the boss, you care more about them.

With all the available ideas on how to give some appreciation and respect to an employee in the symbol of an award, it is easier these days to shop for a gift. Giving an employee recognition award for a job well done not only encourages the receiver, but those around the receiver as well.

Just don't forget to recognize all of your employees, eventually, for something. You don't want to neglect anyone and make them feel unwanted from the bunch. Sometimes even an employee not doing as well needs a boost of confidence, too. Make it personal, make it unforgettable, but most of all, make it meaningful.
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