Employee rewards and recognition are the cornerstone of a thriving workplace culture. In today’s competitive business landscape, organizations are increasingly realizing the significance of appreciating their employees’ contributions beyond just a paycheck. Acknowledging and rewarding employees not only boosts their morale but also fosters a sense of belonging and motivation. It’s a powerful way to express gratitude for their hard work and dedication, ultimately driving higher levels of engagement, job satisfaction, and productivity. From simple gestures of appreciation to formal recognition programs, these initiatives play a pivotal role in shaping a positive work environment and retaining top talent. In essence, employee rewards and recognition serve as a catalyst for creating a workplace where individuals feel valued, motivated, and inspired to achieve their best.
We know it may be difficult to think of fun employee awards, which is why we have come up with a great selection of items to choose from. The best part is that all of these can be branded with your company name. So, let’s break down the typical scenarios that awards are given, and what types of products are given for those situations:
Annual Service Awards
These awards are a way of recognizing and appreciating those employees who have stayed and contributed to a company for a long time. Typically 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years or more of service. These awards can include various types of rewards, such as trophies, certificates, plaques, or gifts chosen by the employee. Service awards can have many benefits for your organization, such as improving employee engagement, retention, and performance. However, they should be personalized, memorable and meaningful to the individual employee, highlighting their specific achievements and accomplishments over the years.
Here are a couple of popular examples of annual service awards:
Perpetual Service Awards:
1. Nikoli Release Perpetual Service Award
Whether you need an award or some signage, The Release lets your message standout. The options are limitless in creating the look you desire. You can imprint both sides of the jade glass. Accented with the colorful magnetic attachment, perfect for a milestone achievement. Click Here for More Information
2. Eco-Geo Awards
Continually display milestones achieved with our Eco-Geo awards. These USA made awards are composed of wood, steel and aluminum, all sustainable materials. Choose from our modern disc or triangle shape, each award includes one imprinted plate. Click Here for More Information
Performance Awards
These are given to employees based on their performance over a certain period of time, usually a year. They are intended to reward employees for achieving high levels of performance, exceeding expectations, or demonstrating exceptional skills or behaviors. Performance awards can be calculated in different ways, such as a percentage of base pay, a lump-sum dollar amount, or a share-based system. Performance awards can have positive effects on employee motivation, satisfaction, retention, and productivity. However, performance awards should be fair, transparent, consistent, and aligned with the organization’s goals and values.
Common examples of performance awards are Salesperson of the Year or Employee of the Month. Some companies provide awards for other reasons, such as the Star Performer Award, The Innovator Award, or event The Team Player Award.
Some companies have been known to name awards from previous employees that have passed on who have made a lasting legacy by being a part of the company. Whatever you name your awards, it should be meaningful to your employees and have deep meaning within your organization, so as to show its heartfelt significance.
Here are a few designs often used for such performance awards:
1. Fascination
Make sure your recipient’s recognitions stand out with the sleek, modern look of the Fascination metal plaque. Offered in three sizes, each of these silver, non-directional metal panel plaques features suspended jade glass that adds to the sanded textured look of an imprint metal surface. This versatile award is perfect for a variety of events and occasions and is especially suited to tech or manufacturing industry awards. Click Here for More Information
2. Resurgence
Put your appreciation on display with something prominent and elegant. The Resurgence stone and marble award features polished ebony stone against a gray tiger accent tone that creates a display that’s worthy of their dedication and achievements. And, with personalized precision etched imprinting, your recipients will enjoy an accurate display of their name, recognitions and more. Whether it’s annual awards or donor recognition, these awards deliver. Click Here for More Information
3. Circlet
Part of the success of your business is maintaining the positive energy of your workforce. Continue that tradition by awarding your best with this Circlet! It’s an award made of optical crystal with a rounded design that stands up straight thanks to the flattened bottom. It can feature a graphic of your choice with the use of any of our multiple imprinting methods. Add the names and titles of your recipients to make them feel special! Click Here for More Information
Team Awards
Team awards are given to employees who work well together as a team, achieving shared goals and supporting each other. Team awards can foster a sense of belonging, collaboration, and trust among team members, as well as improve team performance, morale, and productivity.
Team awards can be based on various criteria, such as team results, team spirit, team innovation, or team improvement. Team awards can be presented in different ways, such as trophies, certificates, plaques, or team outings or experiences. Team awards can also have fun and creative names, such as the Dream Team Award, the Dynamic Duo Award, or the All-Star Team Award.
Team Awards may often be a form of recognition for a company that contributed to a a major project, and it’s something that the company can display proudly for all their customers to see.
For example:
1. Ambassador
Show accomplished partners in your firm your gratitude for their years of loyalty. Made from stone and glass, the Ambassador black and cappuccino colored award is sure to look sophisticated when displayed on any desk or shelf. The strength and beauty of marble and stone add to this natural beauty. Click Here for More Information
2. Multi-Color Wilton VidvidPrint
The opulent freestanding Multi-color Wilton VividPrint™ Award is a marvelous recognition piece that is framed with a multi-faceted diamond edge that dazzles with an incredible spectrum of colors. Click Here for More Information
Other Creative Ideas to Consider for Employee Recognition
There are other forms of recognition that may also ignite some inspiration on how to let your employees know that they are valued, here are a few that could get you started:
Add a QR Code
Adding a QR code to an employee or team award is a great way to make the recognition more interactive and memorable. A QR code can link to a personalized message, a video testimonial, a digital certificate, or any other online content that celebrates the achievement. The recipient can scan the QR code with their smartphone and access the content anytime they want. This can also help to share the recognition with others and increase the visibility of the award.
An Edible Award
An edible award to an employee or team is a delicious way to show appreciation and gratitude for their hard work and achievements. An edible award can be a cake, a cookie, a chocolate, or any other food item that is customized with the name, logo, or message of the award. The edible award can be presented at a ceremony, a meeting, or a party, where the recipient and their colleagues can enjoy the treat together. This can also create a fun and festive atmosphere and boost the morale and engagement of the team.
Here are a few examples of awards to consider of this type:
Coffee and a Snack
We all know there are several employees who are addicted to coffee and likely go through several cups just in the morning while working. Help fuel them with a personalized cup for them to have on their desk or give them to every new hire, so they have something to help themselves feel that they are a part of the team. These are great whether they work in the office or work remotely from home.
1. Work from Home Gift Set
This Work from Home gift set is an ideal product to remind at-home workers they are a valuable part of the team! Each set comes complete with our best-selling 20 oz. soft touch tumbler, a coffee packet and mouse pad. Click Here for More Information
2. Buddy Brew Coffee Gift Set
Giving out this Buddy Brew coffee gift set for two is a fantastic way to spread the word about your brand! When you want to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee at home, this is just what you need. It’s perfect for offering to anyone who wants the comfort and taste of coffee in the morning. Make this a part of your next giveaway at a tradeshow or conference. Add your company name or logo for maximum visibility. Reach new audiences with this as your next gift. Click Here for More Information
Chocolate and Candy sets.
If your employees are constantly getting things done, they may like a sweet treat as recognition for their hard work. This will also help give them a bit of a sugar rush during the workday. If you’re really nice, they may even share. Check out our online catalog for more ideas with this idea.
1. Rise Shine Gift Set
Keeping your staff engaged and motivated while they are working from home can be a challenge. The holidays are a perfect opportunity to stay connected to remote workers and help them feel included and appreciated. This gift set is a perfect combination of lifestyle and leisure and all items come perfectly packaged in a gift box with a holiday bow! Click Here for More Information
1. The Grand Tin
Offer an abundance of gourmet food gift snacks and treats to your customers with this grand tin! It comes printed with a one-color direct imprint on the lid (solid-color tins) or a greeting card (designer tins). You can also add a four color process laminated decal to the lid of any of the solid-color tins. Filling options featured are starlite mints, mixed jelly beans, hard candy, mini chocolate pretzels and chocolate almonds. Give them something they can sink their teeth into! Click Here for More Information
Employee recognition is not only a nice gesture, but also a powerful way to motivate, engage, and retain your employees. By choosing the right awards for the right occasions, you can show your appreciation and respect for your employees’ hard work, dedication, and achievements.
Whether you opt for traditional awards like trophies, plaques, or certificates, or go for more creative and personalized awards like QR codes, edible awards or gifts, you can make your employees feel valued and proud of their contributions.
