Recognition for a Certain Behavior
Cultural changes are not uncommon within organizations. These changes often require employees to acquire new behaviors. Recognizing employees for adopting those new behaviors is a great way to motivate and engage them. This is also an opportunity to recognize employees for putting the organization's values into action.
Recognition for Creativity and Innovation
If you are trying to motivate people to bring ideas and innovation to your institution, you can encourage them to do so by rewarding them for new ideas or process improvements.
Recognition for Good Customer/Patient/Student Experience
This one is very common. Many teams have rewards and recognition programs based on customer feedback. You can customize this recognition based on your area. Possibilities include: peer experience, online experience, creating an inclusive experience, etc.
Recognition for Project Completion
When an employee finishes a project successfully, you should acknowledge their hard work and devotion.
Recognition for Teamwork
Teamwork is crucial for the organization’s success. Therefore, you can set up a recognition program that encourages team members to work more collaboratively and across silos.
Recognition for Learning
Continuous learning is important to both employers and employees. Offering recognition and rewards that encourage employee learning may help to encourage further development.
Consider offering rewards for learning new technology, peers doing teach-backs, or coaching someone on incorporating a new process.
Recognition for Professional Milestones
When an individual dedicates their time and energy to an organization, it deserves to be recognized. Service and anniversary dates deserve to be applauded. Take time out to notice their commitment and you’ll create a department where loyalty abounds, careers thrive and time is honored.
Recognition for Work-life Balance
Many employers strive to avoid employee burnout and support employee work-life balance.
Just Because Employee Recognition
You don’t always have to have a specific reason to thank your employees. Why not surprising them with a small token just because they are a part of your team? It is unbelievable what spontaneous and simple “thank you’s” can do to your company’s culture and employee experience.
Recognition for Achievement and Performance
There are many different ideas for employee recognition and achievements. You can recognize promotions, career goal achievements, development plan achievements, and much more. Don’t forget to piggyback off of some of the institutional recognition programs (e.g. Making a Difference, Office of Diversity Equity & Inclusion Awards, etc.)
Virtual Award Ceremony
Have a virtual celebration, where you have members of your team nominate people for an award and you announce the winners at the virtual celebration. Winners can be determined by votes or you can pull a diverse group of people together to select the winners from the nominated team members. Don’t be afraid to have team members walk the red carpet in their designer work-from-home gear, followed by a 30-second speech from the winners.
Rewards on a Dime: (all can be adapted to be delivered virtually)
- Thank you notes
- Card signed by all team members with a positive note or feedback
- Box filled with their favorite treats
- Magazine subscription to a favorite magazine
- Deliver flowers to office or home
- Deliver lunch to home or office
- Rent/purchase movies from streaming service
- Volunteer to complete the least favorite task
- Coffee Chat with a specific leader
- Memory book with photos and inspirational quotes