12 Creative Employee Appreciation Ideas

An essential ingredient in attracting and retaining quality staff is making your employees feel truly valued.

Employee recognition is all about acknowledging the dedication and hard work of individuals and teams. It's about making people feel appreciated and letting them know that without them you would be worse off.

Surveys show that over 85% of organizations have a staff recognition program in place. Employee recognition is a key engagement tool that should be present in all work places.

When Hard Work Goes Unnoticed

A lack of employee recognition makes for a rather sad workplace. Who wants to stay and work at a place where their efforts go unnoticed?

People need encouragement and approval. They feel disappointed, to say the least, when their hard work is taken for granted. Employees giving their all should be rewarded for their efforts. A general 'thank you' in the speech at the end of the year is just not good enough.

Benefits of Employee Recognition

• Facilitates long term relationships between staff and residents
• Boosts self-esteem and confidence of employees
• Reduces staff turnover
• Reduces absenteeism
• Improved teamwork
• Greater employee satisfaction and enjoyment
• Fosters a going the 'extra mile' attitude among staff

Make Recognition Personal for Best Results

Traditionally, rewards for staff recognition are usually bonuses, gift cards, dinners for two and other gimmicks. These are better than nothing, however the repetitious, one size fits all rewards can become a little dreary and lose mpact.

What's even better is to offer intentional recognition with creative and personal rewards.

For instance, if an employee is very shy and dislikes to be the centre of attention don't announce your gratitude over the PA or single them out in a meeting. Instead, give them a 'Thank You' card with a personal message of how much their efforts are appreciated. Or you may give them a birthday card with best wishes from all their peers.

Employee Recognition is not just for Management

Employee recognition doesn't necessarily have to come from management. If you have staff, volunteers or students under your charge, you may start a program to honour them on a regular basis.

Recognition should be given frequently; several times a year at least and in as many varied forms as possible. It can be as simple as bringing in some bakery treats or lunch to share on the day after a successful event. Engaged and happy employees are more likely to stay with you for the long haul.

12 Employee Recognition Ideas

Here are a few ideas to ponder; use them to devise personal recognition incentives that work for you. Always consider the personality of the employee when considering how to show your appreciation.

1. Recognize them online; Facebook, Instagram, or another blog or social media platform. Praise them and what they've done.
2. Give them a 'Thank You' card expressing how valued they are.
3. Offer them a day off on their birthday or date of choice.
4. Have a 'Wall of Fame'; a cork board with pictures of them at work - with clients and other staff. Keep it on display for a whole month.
5. Describe and praise them for something special they did for a client or client's relatives during a staff meeting.
6. Throw a 'Surprise party' at your workplace on staff birthdays.
7. Offer a two-hour back massage voucher and ask them to book it during work time.
8. Buy a box of chocolates or their favourite sweets. Gather their peers to present it to them.
9. Start an 'Employee of the Month' initiative for peer recognition. Ask staff to write a note of praise about one of their peers each month and place it in a special container. Elect a winner at the end of the month.
10. Reward the whole team with an in-house Happy Hour!
11. Provide monetary support for continuing education.
12. Present two of the above ideas and ask the employee to choose what suits them best.