Employee Recognition Gifts

When an employee under-performs, or makes errors in the process of learning something, or working on a project, it doesn't take the boss a minute to admonish the employee for all that he/she is doing wrong. However, when all deadlines are met, targets achieved, and projects completed, the recognition for the same is missing in several organizations. As an employer, you ought to know that motivating employees and recognizing their efforts, big or small, go a long way in bringing out the best in them. It gives them the feeling that they are being noticed, valued and appreciated among several other members of the staff. Gifts are a great method of employee recognition, as they motivate your employees to perform better. Rather than the mundane gift cards and other office merchandise, these are some things you can do as part of employee recognition, and make them the perfect gift for your most valued employees.

A Hand-Written Note of Appreciation
This features as the number one gift, simply because it is very personal. A note of appreciation that you have written yourself, telling your employee how much you value his/her efforts towards the success of the organization. The impact this gift will have on your employee will be priceless. Ensure it is hand-written, and give it in person as the ultimate personal touch.

The Stress Buster's Kit
You know that your employees go through a lot of stress in order to complete a project and achieve important deadlines. As such, giving them a stress buster's kit, that includes a CD with some relaxing music, some chocolates, and a journal (to write and release the stress), that will allow them to take a break and bust the build up of all the stress, will help. This will make them realize that you have noticed their efforts, and motivate them to perform better and complete all those projects.

A Day of(f) Fun
To recognize the efforts and the stress that your most valuable employee has gone through in achieving important deadlines, give him/her a day off, and don't disturb him/her with calls about work, so he/she can relax, unwind, and forget about work for at least a day. You can even do this for a particular team that worked together, by giving them their off at different times throughout the month. Think about it. You may think you can't afford it, but their efforts are going to double once they are rejuvenated and refreshed.

A Wall of Recognition
Another personal gift is to set up a wall in the office, dedicated to employees who make a significant contribution to the organization. This could include photos, and you could even encourage other employees to write about their colleagues whose efforts they recognize in the office. Not only does this motivate them, but also helps build a strong rapport with each other, which is the foundation of a good organization.

Other Personalized Gifts
Giving your most valued employee a good quality pen, or a business card holder, even a simple pen stand, with his/her name engraved on it, is a great way of showing what the presence of that employee in your organization, is worth to you. Such engraved gifts are absolutely worth the effort, as they are definitely going to be appreciated.

There is a difference between just a gift and a personalized gift, which you should determine, while deciding what you wish to give as gifts for employee recognition. It does not always have to be material. As the saying goes, it's the thought that counts. Nothing is more valuable for an employee, than to be recognized among several staff members, as someone who's making a difference to the organization. No one wants to be just another employee who comes to work daily and leaves without knowing the kind of impact he/she has on the organization. It is you, as the employer who should let them know how important they are, and how much you value their efforts.