REAP THE REWARDS OF RECOGNITION 

Here are 33 ways you can recognise the value of your staff, simply and without great cost, and enjoy the huge rewards of doing so:

1.       Ask if they enjoyed their days off or holidays

2.       Send a letter of appreciation to, or phone up, their family

3.       Provide recognition boards in the workplace for colleagues to record good work

4.       Publish examples of individual or team success on company website, newsletter etc

5.       Remember special days eg birthdays or anniversaries

6.       When thanking people, link the praise to company values

7.       Include all staff eg part-timers, support staff, those from other departments

8.       Provide photographs of them at work for them to take home

9.       Publish customer compliments

10.  ‘Catch someone doing something right!’

11.   Show an interest in their family

12.   Provide opportunities for people to shine

13.   Send a hand-written letter to recognise a particular achievement

14.   Introduce Employee of the Month/Week scheme

15.   Use training opportunities as a reward for good work

16.   Consult with the employee’s family, friends or colleagues to identify the best reward

17.   Every year celebrate the date the employee started with the company

18.   Organise formal or informal staff get-togethers to celebrate team successes

19.   Use extra time off as a reward

20.   Set challenging but achievable goals and then celebrate their achievement

21.   Use experienced staff as coaches or mentors for those less experienced or new-starters

22.   Ask for their ideas and input

23.   Use personalised ‘Thank You’ cards

24.   Demonstrate that you understand the challenges of their jobs

25.   Involve senior staff in recruiting new team members – formally or informally

26.   Offer additional responsibility to recognise potential for advancement

27.   Give them an extra day off for their birthday/wedding anniversary etc

28.   Send experienced staff to check up on the competition

29.   Recognise achievement by a free meal at your establishment for employee and partner

30.   Tell your boss when one of your staff does well (and make sure he/she is aware you did)

31.   Make a note of examples of  good work for their next annual appraisal

32.   Invite your boss to be involved in recognising individual and team successes

33.   Use humorous lapel badges to recognise your stars