Recognition Ideas

Needtoknow

Our company wants to limit the number of promotions, especially at the higher end. However, to keep staff motivated we need to have some type of recognition/reward in lieu of promotion. Do you have any thoughts on this or experience in how you are handling the motivation of employees who have reached the limit, so to speak?

Thanks

Ethel

We give a one time cash bonus award. The "one time" doesn't mean they cannot receive another one, just that it is not automatic or guaranteed.

MS HR

We give "employee of the quarter" awards which includes a $250 cash award and dinner for two at a nice restaurant. If $250 is too much, you can pick whatever amount you can afford. Maybe even a plaque in the hallway or a special name tag as employee of the quarter on it. The idea is that it serves as a motivator, no matter how people may downplay its significance.

njjel

What criteria to you use to determine who is the "employee of the quarter"?

MS HR

In a previous "life" with a large corporation, first of all, I have a committe of members from each department.

The department head submits a written narrative of exceptional service by the employee in performing the duties of the position, plus any duties above and beyond what was to be expected, plus any extraodinary community involvement reflecting positively on the organization, and good attendance and lack of disciplinary actions. These are our five criteria.

The committee votes 1-10 but cannot vote on a member of their own department.
We then award a written notation for the employee's personnel file, plus an engraving on a plaque in the front of the entranceway, plus a name pin identifying the employee as "employee of the quarter", plus a prime parking spot. We used to award two dinners to a nice restaurant, but that was when we were flush with money.

Yes, some employees feel there is favoritism and feel neglected, but all in all, most of the employees would agree with the award winners.

Needtoknow

Thanks for all the good ideas - this helps a lot.