Effective Programs Include:
Fairness – must not favor one employee over another

High Visibility & Consistency – making sure that a program is highly visible helps to ensure consistent implementation

Rewarding employees in a timely manner

Making sure to tie awards directly to results

Using a wide menu of options for employee recognition to keep the recognition effort fresh

Personalized recognition and avoid a one-size-fits-all solution. A personal and individual touch can go a long way

Things to Recognize Employees for:

Exceptional customer service, initiative, enthusiasm, & energy

Immediate recognition for performance

Completion of a project or event

Working on projects or initiatives outside the realm of normal work duties

Consistently good performance of regular duties over a long period of time

Active participation in projects

Applying new skills & knowledge

Meeting goals & targets

Displaying loyalty & commitment to the State of South Dakota

Initiative taken quickly to nip a problem in the bud

Demonstrating innovation – new ideas & initiatives

Guidelines for Presenting Awards:
Employees need recognition more than once a year

Reward employees in a timely manner. Oftentimes award ceremonies take place only once a year and by the time the employee is recognized, they have forgotten what it is that they did to deserve the reward.

Avoid award ceremonies where you give the same award to numerous employees. It makes the award less meaningful and doesn’t tie the award to the results.

Tailor the award to the individual

Award Ideas:
Great Idea Award – encourages employees to make suggestions to improve your work unit’s processes or services

Customer Service Award – best used to reward specific examples of great customer service.

Cheers for Peers – staff recognize each other