Managing Diversity Success Stories: Employee Recognition

This is an employee recognition tool that allows supervisors & managers to acknowledge employees with on-the-spot gift certificate awards of amounts ranging from $25 to $175.

This practice gives supervisors a tool to acknowledge exceptional work-related accomplishments on the spot. It also helps to improve communication, and employee morale. Employees are motivated to improve their performance. This program meets the needs of a diverse workforce in the following ways: There is employee input in the process. Employees identified this need and developed the process. There is a continuous feedback mechanism.

Based on needs identified by staff, the formal Employee Recognition and Award Program was created. The actual award is a gift certificate from Barnes and Noble in varying amounts from $25 to $175. Amounts above $25 require the approval of the Vice Chancellor. Supervisors can give instant recognition at the $25 level. These award recipients are also acknowledged in the Facilities Services monthly newsletter. A quarterly report is generated to monitor the success of the program.

Funding and top management support is needed.

There is improved morale/environment. Employees feel acknowledged and are motivated to improve their performance.

This program is successful because management listens to needs as identified by staff. Staff are included in the decision-making process and have opportunities to give feedback.