There are many ways employees can be appreciated and recognized. However, there are two main divisions; top-down and peer-to-peer.

Top-Down Recognition

Here, the manager or supervisor witnesses the employees contributions. Examples are:

  • Employee Appreciation Trophies & Awards — It is in recognition of an employees contribution and support to an organization over the years. It is given at specific milestones or intervals such as 5, 10, 15, 20 years and so on. These can include perpetual trophies or plaques that are updated with time.
  • Employee Appreciation Day — Most organizations today hold employee appreciation day in the form of small office parties or organization’s funded events like barbecues.  These can be great times to give out awards to your entire team at once.
  • Annual Bonuses — In addition to employees’ basic pay, employees may receive yearly bonuses as financial compensation based on the performance of their work, the organizations performance, or both.  These are great times to give employees an appreciation award that will be useful such as a power bank, custom tumbler, or apparel rewarding their hard work.
  • Spot Awards — Employees ‘on the spot’ are thanked for contributions meriting particular notice with something simple and meaningful.  Some rewards that work well are a custom candy arraignment or promotional item, these are great spots to show off your logo and show your employee appreciation.

Peer-to-Peer Recognition

Managers, co-workers recognize the contributions and achievements of their colleagues. Some forms are:

  • Gold Stars — These are small mementos; sometimes, they have a tangible value such as a small appreciation trophy that can be set on a desk or shelf.
  • Verbal Praise — It is the oldest long-standing form of peer- to- peer recognition in workplaces, given in this fashion is a great way to encourage and praise your fellow teammates.