Employee Recognition Ideas.

Any benefits HR/manager can adopt these ways to make staff members feel more appreciated.

The common thread -  using your own communication skills as a powerful tool for boosting morale.

1. Put in face time

When time permits, managers may want to put in some “face time” with staff members. This in and of itself is a kind of worker recognition. Example -  There’s a lot of value in simply walking around the building, chatting with staff members.  Ask staff members about the personal items they display at their workstations.

In the short-term, folks will notice and appreciate your interest.  Long-term, this may inspire ideas for rewards and incentive programs. the same technique works at  firms with multiple locations.  Make a site visit to get a feel for the morale. This is much cheaper - and often more effective - than designing a formal benefits survey.

2. Send ‘em personalized stuff

Looking for a simple way to show staff members that HR/Benefits cares? Create a template from which you are able to send customized “Welcome” letters to new hires or “Happy Anniversary” notes for employees’ company anniversaries.

3. Target overlooked employees

Most firms have staff members (e.g. part-timers) who aren’t eligible for the 401(k), medical plan and other company-sponsored benefits.  Small gifts help firms connect with these often-overlooked staff members.

Example -  on the first day of spring, send them a packet of flower seeds and attached a note from Benefits. Burston-Marsteller Worldwide has used this simple, low-cost idea and gotten good results.