Publications, Forms and Information Resources

Workplace Success Stories - Best Practices 2002
Recognition Strategies for a Diverse Workforce

 

Practice Name: Employee Recognition Department: Facilities Services Contact Person: Zandra LeDuff, HR Mgr. Phone: (510) 642-2662 Email: zleduff@cp.berkeley.edu Web: Dept/Unit Head: Vice Chancellor Edward J. Denton Control Unit: CP

Workplace Issues Addressed: Appreciation/Celebration of Differences Category: Awards & Tangible Gifts

Description of the practice
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.

Benefits of adopting the practice
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.

How this practice works
Based on needs identified by staff, the formal Employee Recognition and Award Program was developed in September 1999. 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.

What you need in place to replicate this practice
Funding and top management support is needed.

Tangible improvements to the department as a result of adopting this practice
There is improved morale/environment. Employees feel acknowledged and are motivated to improve their performance.

Why this practice was so successful and is worth replicating
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.

Related policies/guidelines:

(1) Guide to Managing Human Resources, Appendix G: Recognition and Reward Programs.
(2) Business & Finance Bulletin G41 - Employee Non-Cash Awards.