by Bright Ewuru | Aug 31, 2023 | Articles
It’s the thought that counts.
Employee recognition is a concept that has proven to be full of benefits, from employee engagement to solving the challenge of quiet quitting. It’s assumed that for employee recognition to be impactful, it has to be elaborate and luxurious.
But, you can actually build an employee recognition program that matches your budget. Let’s explore some affordable yet creative employee recognition ideas.
An affordable idea for employee recognition is to acknowledge exceptional employees online. A common way to do this is to give them shout-outs across social platforms. This form of praise appreciates them for their accomplishments, highlights favourable attributes and provides the opportunity for colleagues and customers to drop positive comments.
One way to do this is through a LinkedIn “kudos” post for a member of your team. It’s a cost-free but valuable way to appreciate them and endorse their professional capacity, while also making it public for others to see.
You could also give deserving team members recognition in your company newsletter. By using your organisation’s communications to draw attention to your employees for their contributions, you give them recognition within and beyond your company.
Likewise, you can give your employees recognition by giving them the opportunity to contribute content. Feature them on your organisation’s blog, podcast or webinar. The chance to demonstrate their thought leadership reveals both their expertise and your confidence in them.
And don’t forget National Employee Appreciation Day, the perfect time to show how much your workforce means to you.
Dedicated outings can be an exercise in affordable employee recognition. This could take a variety of forms, such as lunch or coffee out with a leader or mentor. A casual outing presents a ripe opportunity for the employee to have a conversation and connect with a leader.
It’s ideal for employees who aren’t big on public acknowledgement.
There can also be casual outings for multiple team members at once. Consider a trip to a museum, park or game spot. By filling such occasions with team-building activities, your team members will get to know each other outside of work and have the opportunity to decompress.
This enhances the employee experience while recognising and rewarding them for their hard work.
Pocket-friendly ideas for employee recognition include praising your team members for their accomplishments during events or meetings. Make it a point to announce employees who have made remarkable contributions to the organisation. And, if your budget allows, present any outstanding staff with plaques, trophies or gift cards.
Voicing your appreciation for their contributions during meetings is an inexpensive way to provide meaningful employee recognition. When you do this, tell stories of how the employee went above and beyond, and how their contribution has impacted the organisation.
Acknowledging your team members this way has the double effect of making them feel appreciated and encouraging others to improve their performance.
Praise and acknowledgement from colleagues at an organisation are excellent forms of recognition. With top-down acknowledgement being the more popular kind of employee recognition, thumbs-ups from mates can also come as a breath of fresh air. And, it doesn’t cost a thing.
Set up a system that encourages employees to commend one another for their efforts. It will enhance appreciation and cordiality in your workforce. Perhaps it is on Slack or LinkedIn, or simply by providing an opportunity at meetings for employees to give kudos to one another.
Small gifts and tokens of appreciation are reliable ways to recognise employees without breaking the bank. Some employee recognition gift ideas include branded
Consider treats such as snacks for the team to enjoy. Providing occasional meals for your team, particularly on hectic days, is a good way to demonstrate your appreciation for their efforts.
Cash gifts or monetary support for outstanding employees are also great options. Perhaps it’s possible to reserve premium parking spots for employees who excel at their work. Or, consider tokens such as physical and digital badges.
Another possible idea is to provide an opportunity for professional growth. Consider paying for certification courses, workshops or conferences for your employees. It’s the gift that will keep giving back!
Decorate your halls with the accolades of your employees.
An inexpensive way to recognise exceptional employees is to dedicate a part of the office walls to showcasing remarkable professional and personal milestones.
And this doesn’t just apply to physical offices.
If your organisation operates remotely or has a hybrid model, you can implement virtual employee recognition ideas. A virtual recognition wall in your organisation’s collaboration tool is ideal for the posting of employees’ achievements. Other employees can engage with such a post.
Encourage your employees to take their foot off the gas for a moment. Reward them with different forms of flexibility such as permitting them to check in late or clock out early after knocking out certain tasks. You can also grant flexibility in work hours.
Another option is to provide work breaks. As simple as they are, work breaks, whether for an hour, a day or longer, give your employees the best gift of all—time. They’ll come back refreshed and ready for more good work.
One of the most impactful ways to give employee recognition with no expense is verbal appreciation. Magic words such as “thank you”, “fantastic job” or “excellent” go a long way to prove that your team members have excelled in their performance and that you’re grateful for their contributions. Amazingly, you can incorporate this form of recognition into your daily interactions.
To add more substance to verbal appreciation, throw in the details of your employee’s contributions and the difference they made.
Similarly, handwritten notes and cards can demonstrate your gratitude, and add elements of personalisation, stating what you’re thanking the employee for and how you appreciate their work.
In closing, employee recognition is crucial for the success of every organisation and you don’t need to tank your budget to make it work. Building a culture of recognition will benefit you, your team, your community and your company.
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