How to Start an Employee of the Month Program that Isn't Lame: A Guide for Bosses
Does your business recognise your employee's achievements?
An employee of the month program is a great way to boost morale and encourage hard work. But if you aren't careful it is seen as lame, rather than a badge of honor.
We are here to help. Check out our guide on how to start an employee of the month program that isn't lame.
Be Clear With Your Goal
Before you start planning your program, think about what you want to achieve.
Are you hoping to motivate and inspire your staff to further greatness? Recognise the work employees do that doesn't boost your bottom line? Or just foster a competitive environment to boost sales?
Your emplyees are more perceptive than you think. If you create a program for cynical reasons, they will see straight through it and write it off before it even starts.
Guage Employee Reactions
A company is like a living organism, and every one is unique. What may be perfect for one company doesn't suit another.
It is important that you get a feel of what your employees would want out of an employee of the month program. Try and get some time with every employee to sound out your ideas. If they don't want to be involved, think of more private ways to thank them.
Even just a quick email survey will show your team that you are taking this seriously.
Form a Committee
Making the selections yourself will result in your team thinking you are playing favorites. Especially if one group often come out on top.
The best people to choose are the staff themselves. Forming a committee that represents all levels of the company will make sure no-one is missed.
Appoint a trustworthy team member as the chair (perhaps one that didn't want to be publicly awarded). Try and fill the other seats with volunteers.
The Awards
The awards are where you prove to your staff that you are serious about the employee of the month program.
Whatever else you give, it is important that you award something commemorative to the winners. A high quality engraved trophy shows that real thought was put into their selection. They weren't selected on a whim that morning.
Adding extras is a great way to incentivise staff to do better and hopefully win. Here are a few of our suggestions:
- Bonus. It doesn't need to be huge, but enough for them to go out and celebrate themselves will be well received.
- Small gifts. Something personalised for the winner, like gift cards to their favorite shops show that you know them on a personal level.
- Holiday. No-one ever feels like they get enough time off, and productivity is increased after a holiday.
A Successful Employee of the Month Program
If you follow these tips your employee of the month program will excite your staff, rather than put them to sleep! Getting your employees involved, and actually having worthwhile rewards will show staff that this is something you are taking seriously.
If you want to expand your employee of the month program into a fun office award ceremony to boost morale, check out our funny office awards for inspiration.