Posts Tagged employee recognition
Communications 101 – Communicating with younger employees
Posted by Dan in Business Tips on September 16, 2009
Generation gaps in the workplace call for new approaches to communicating with younger employees.
The generation, born between 1978 and 2000 and considered the most tech savvy group in the workforce, isn’t getting high marks from employers. A www.jobfox.com poll found that only 20 percent of bosses characterize millennials as great performers, compared to 63 percent for baby boomers and 58 percent for members of Generation X.
However some, such as Jobfox CEO Rob McGovern, say the blame for millennials’ poor performance ratings doesn’t fall on the youngsters. McGovern says corporate leaders need an attitude adjustment when it comes to millennial professionals and that understanding their four key motivators will improve the relationship between the two groups. Those motivators are:
• Balance. Millennials don’t accept the nine-to-five work week like preceding generations. They want to set their own hours.
• Full force. This generation wants to begin contributing immediately. Companies should help them see how their work is important and how it affects the bottom line.
• Stability. Employees in this group seek long-term positions. As long as their goals are met and they can maintain a healthy work-life balance, they will remain loyal employees.
• Leading edge. Millennials know that staying current when it comes to technology is important and want to keep their skills up to date. Providing learning opportunities will encourage them to stay put and not look for better opportunities elsewhere.
Employee Recognition TTD List
Posted by Dan in Business Tips on May 19, 2009
Whether your clients want to engage or praise employees, it’s always a good time to put reward and recognition programs on your radar.
While many companies may think twice about investing in recognition programs with the economy gone bust, the smart ones realize that even in tough times, recognition is crucial. It sends the message that recipients are valued, it reinforces desired behavior and it leads to improved performance.
Daryll Griffin, president of Norcross, Georgia-based distributor Accolades, Inc. (UPIC: ACCINC) says distributors can reap the rewards of creating outstanding recognition programs for their clients—if they do it right. “Recognition is not just a product—it is an entire appreciation program that includes an award,” Griffin says.
“We specialize in awards. It’s one of the biggest parts of our business,” she continues. “Recognition is very powerful, whether it’s a spoken word or the biggest award. Telling or showing people that you appreciate what they’ve done is a very humanistic thing to do.”
PPB asked Griffin to dish on what she’s learned about awards and recognition programs. Here are some of her top pointers:
There are several criteria with awards. “Always consider the recipient, the meaning, objective or purpose, the presentation and when you’ll need it.”
The type of award matters. “Think beyond traditional wall plaques. The more custom the award, the greater value it has to the client and recipient. Look at the theme or HR plan and design a complete program that involves an award and also other components.”
Don’t get bogged down by misconceptions. “Most distributors think awards are too expensive. They say, ‘I can never sell a $100 or $500 award.’ It really depends on the company or organization doing the recognition. It also depends on the budget, theme and rationale for giving it.”
Save budget talk for last. “If you’re working on a true recognition program, you’ll talk about budget last. If you work with a trophy shop, budget is one of the first things. Budget should always be discussed—it has to be—but it’s not one of the leading parts of the conversation.”
Public presentations are best. “The most powerful type of recognition takes place in front of your peers. If your boss hands you a plaque and nobody sees it, it doesn’t have the same wow factor.”
When you need employee awards and custom recognition gifts. Visit our main site www.GallantGifts.com or www.AwardsbyGallant.com