Symbolism is what makes employee recognition powerful and effective. It is the most important element of all the employee recognition ideas in the world today.
Awards that are symbolic become a reminder of the achievement itself and the person who is receiving the award. It is important that the design and inscription on the award accurately portray the importance of the accomplishment. In addition, it is important that a symbolic award also take the personality of the recipient into account. For example, the award should reflect their personal style, incorporate their favorite color, or contain a quote that they admire.
At first glance it appears as if the number of employee recognition ideas you have at your fingertips is endless! But these options can be broken down into two big-picture categories: symbolic or non-symbolic awards. Below is a short list of items that are considered symbolic or non-symbolic.
Symbolic Awards
- Crystal etched awards
- Laser engraved plaques
- Medals or coins
- Personalized certificates
- Jewelry
Non-Symbolic Awards
Merchandise
- Any product sold from a retailer
- Name brand items
- Clothing
- Luggage
- Framed artwork
Experiences
- Travel vouchers
- Tickets to a sporting event or live show (music, comedy, drama)
- Learning something new – via a conference, book, speaker
- Spa voucher
- Personal trainer sessions
A moment of recognition can have a huge impact on your business. It can foster loyalty and desire for an employee to strive even harder to accomplish the goals for the company, or it can produce no results at all. When you choose a symbolic award you can rest easy, knowing that it will make an impact on the recipient and will positively affect your business.
Since recognition awards are so important, you need to find out what is relevant and meaningful to the person on the receiving end. The best way to do this is to ask your employees a few questions ask them in person or via a handwritten form. Here are a few sample questions to help you get started:
- What is your favorite color?
- What are your favorite restaurants?
- How do you spend your free time?
- What events do you participate in or enjoy watching?
- Given an unexpected day off, I would spend my time doing…
Use the feedback from this short questionnaire to choose a symbolic award that will make a lasting, personal, impression.
At Crystal D, we do this with all of our employees. We have many winners that we’ve been able to honor in personal ways by gathering information about how they want to be recognized.
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