Employee Recognition

In 2015, the administrator asked me to take our employee recognition program to the next level. At the time, the program was receiving an average of three nominations per month. Within one month, I increased award nominations by 1,900%. Here's how I did it:

• I developed a communication plan to keep everyone updated and on track. The plan included the background, audience, key talking points, messaging, timelines, communication tactics, and more.

• I updated the program logo and imagery to give the program a more modern visual identity and improve program recognition.

• I created a SharePoint page that included a brief description of the program; a nomination button; a list of reasons to nominate a colleague; upcoming program events; and a list of past nominees.

• I simplified the SharePoint nomination form and added an option to include the nominee's supervisor and director. Supervisors and directors were encouraged to follow-up with their own congratulatory notes.

• During monthly employee all hands meeting, nominees received award certificates from the administrator.

• I created two certificates: An 8x10 certificate and a miniature, magnetic certificate that employees could attach to their cubical. This allowed employees to show off their accomplishments.

• I included a standing column in the weekly employee newsletter as a reminder of the importance and power of praise.

• We held special week- and month-long promotions to encourage more people to nominate their colleagues for an award. These special events typically increased the number of nominations by an additional 300% to 500%.