Everyone desires to be recognized for their hard work. A good pat on the back for a job well done can show employees that they are truly appreciated. People thrive on recognition, and it actually can have a positive impact on a person’s self-esteem.
That’s where a Service Award Program comes into play. When structured correctly, this system will not only make employees happier, but it will actually increase their motivation to work harder. This reaction, in turn, benefits both the employee and the business by improving productivity.
Is A Service Award Program Right for My Business?
Personnel Journal published a survey that found that larger businesses have more budgeted for recognition and awards programs than smaller companies. However, recognition programs are an important way for businesses, no matter the size, to show that employees are valued. Even for small businesses, awards are crucial in hiring future employees and increasing productivity in the workplace.
But how do you know what type of award will provide a return on your investment, yet satisfy the employee at the same time? And, how should this award system be structured? Let’s look at the 6 essential elements of a Service Award Program:
1) The Award Should Be Functional
It should serve a purpose, even if it isn’t a practical use. And, preferably, the award should not be something that the employee would normally buy for themselves. If the award is something that has no functionality, the value decreases. If it is something that the employee could purchase whenever they want, this also decreases the value.
2) The Award Should Be Suitable for Use in the Home
When the award can be used in the home, it naturally includes the employee’s family. For the average person, most of the time that they are away from their families, they are at work. Thus, the majority of the time spent away from the job is at home with the family. The goal should be to unite the employee, employer, the home, and the family through the award. Everyone is happy and it brings a personal aspect to the award that is invaluable.
3) The Award Should Have Recurring Value
The award should be memorable. Whenever the award is used, or noticed by a friend or family member of the employee, the original moment of receiving the recognition is remembered and valued. It needs to be something that brings pride to the employee, provoking thankfulness to the company.
4) The Award Should Have a High Perceived Value
The award should be something that is not easily found in a local retail store. No matter how expensive, no award will ever equal the value an employee perceives they are to the company. However, if it is thoughtful and matched with recognition, the perception of the awards value is much higher to the employee.
5) The Award Focuses the Attention on a Specific Recognition Level
If an employee received a selection brochure of multiple rewards for different levels, they naturally desire the awards of greater value. This could lead to disappointment over something that is supposed to be a positive. Therefore, a single sheet selection system that focuses on their specific level of service is better for the employee. They can focus on what options they have to choose from rather than what they can’t have.
6) The Award Must Be Something the Employee Wants
If the award is personally meaningful and desired by the employee, then it increases motivation all the more. Finding useful items or adding a monogram to enhance its’ unique value, increases the employees desire for the item. This could be a plaque that mentions the employees name and their accomplishment, or it may just be a watch with their initials engraved on the back. Both add personalization, meaning, and therefore, desire for the item.
A properly designed award program should bring benefits to the company, the employer, the employee, and the employee’s family. Recognition reinforces to the employee that they are an invaluable asset to the company. Positive attitudes of those in the workplace are vital to increased productivity and success of businesses, both large and small. A Service Award Program does not have to involve high cost, but rather focus on showing the employee appreciation and public recognition through a reward that they will find special.
We would love to talk to you about our available options to recognize your team. Call us at 866-924-2778 to talk to one of our staff members today!