Daily Recognition "Tips and Tricks"

Recognition is multidirectional: Peer to peer, employee to supervisor, supervisor to employee, group to group, etc.

• Post a thank-you note on the computer screen of someone you appreciate.
• Submit the name of a person or team to an Appreciation Bulletin Board or Wall of Honour.
• Send an e-card to a deserving employee, manager or colleague. Free e-cards on the Seasons and IBoutique’s websites (click on “recipient” and select ESDC from the list).
• Repeat positive comments about an individual back to the person mentioned.
• Write a formal recognition letter to someone and send a carbon copy to the employee’s personnel file and his/her supervisor.
• Ask your boss to send a thank-you letter to people who made important contributions.
• Show someone you appreciate their work by buying him/her a cup of coffee.
• Send a handwritten letter to every team member to thank them for their contribution at the end of a project.
• Ask your boss to attend a meeting during which you will thank your employees for their excellent work.
• Take someone aside and tell them how much you appreciate him or her. Call an employee into your office to thank him or her for an accomplishment.
• When discussing an employee or group’s ideas with other colleagues or senior management, make sure you give credit to the employee or group.
• Leave a voicemail message for your employee or colleague at the end of the day thanking him/her for doing a great job.
• Take 5-10 minutes at the end of your staff meeting to share the positive client feedback received, thank employees who have made significant contributions since the last meeting and/or have employees recognize each other.
• Bring in some baked goods or other treats and schedule a team coffee break. Tell the team how much you appreciate their work and share any positive feedback you have received.
• Reward an employee who has demonstrated initiative and delivered results by giving him/her greater responsibility on a task and/or increased contacts with senior management.
• Distribute certificates of appreciation to thank your team for their contribution at the end of a project.
• Reserve ten minutes during a team meeting for a relationship-building activity. Ask everyone to bring in a baby picture, post it on the wall, and pick which person matches each picture!
• Reward effort as well as success. Stimulate innovation by recognizing “the best ideas that didn’t work”.
• Have your team literally applaud an employee who has done something worthwhile at the next staff meeting.