The 8 Best Opportunities for Recognition at Work

Are you an employer or HR manager? Every recognition opportunity at work should help you increase employee engagement and improve your company culture. Whether it’s a monthly award, celebrating a milestone, or simply saying thank you, a little special recognition can go a long way. But do you know the ideal times to show your employees recognition and the best ways to take advantage of it? Learn about the recognition opportunities below.

1. Service anniversary

Each year spent with a company represents a milestone in an employee's career. To mark this anniversary, the company can organize a recognition ceremony. This can include, for example, a thank-you speech from management, the presentation of a personalized certificate, and a reception in honor of employees. A recognition gift can also show the employee that his or her commitment to the company is valued.

2. Retirement

Retirement marks the end of a career and the beginning of a new stage in an employee's life. So, you can organize a big party to celebrate this important event and thank the employee for his many years of service and dedication. During this party, colleagues or management members can give a speech or offer personalized gifts, such as:

• An engraved watch
• A souvenir album
• A personalized gift card

Also read: 8 original Quebec corporate gifts

3. Training completed

Investing in your employees’ professional development is essential to their growth and progression. When an employee completes training or earns a certification, it deserves to be recognized and celebrated. For example, you might consider hosting a training certificate ceremony where the employee is honored in front of their colleagues and management. Offering additional opportunities, such as special projects or promotions, also shows employees that their efforts are appreciated.

4. Participation in a professional event

Attending professional events such as conferences, trade shows or seminars is a great opportunity for recognition at work. It is also a way to acquire new knowledge and skills. To recognize this participation, you can organize a knowledge sharing session during which the employee can share with his colleagues the information and ideas he acquired at the event. You can also publish articles or interviews highlighting the employee's experience at the event.

5. Professional initiative

Professional initiative is a valuable quality in an employee and an opportunity for recognition at work. When an employee takes the initiative to improve processes, solve problems or innovate in their work, it deserves to be recognized and rewarded. The company can then publicly recognize the employee's efforts in team meetings or in its newsletters. It can also offer the employee additional professional development opportunities or rewards in various forms (bonuses, gifts, benefits, etc.).

Also check out: 3 Professional Thank You Ideas Outside the Box

6. Volunteering

This worthy activity shows an employee’s commitment to their community and their desire to make a difference in the world. That’s why when an employee dedicates time and energy to volunteering, it deserves to be encouraged by the company. You can offer special leave for volunteering or pairing programs with nonprofit organizations. Such an approach can show the employee that their commitment to the community is valued.

7. Marriage

Marriage is an opportunity for recognition at work and a special milestone in an individual's life. When an employee gets married, you can celebrate and acknowledge this important milestone in their life. The company can provide a congratulatory card signed by management or host an office party to celebrate the event. Offering an extra day or half-day off can also help the employee make the most of this milestone.

8. Birth

The birth of a child is a joyous and important event in an employee's life. The company can celebrate this milestone by offering a baby gift or organizing a small reception at the office. Flexible parental leave or benefits, such as childcare subsidies, can also show employees that their company cares about their family's well-being.

You may also like: How to improve quality of life at work (QVT)?

Accolad, your ally for successful recognition at work

When employees receive gestures of appreciation from their superiors or colleagues, it reinforces their sense of belonging to the company. This recognition can also boost their engagement and motivation at work. Accolad, thanks to its multiple features, simplifies the management of employee recognition by offering an automatic recognition system for managing and sending recognition gifts, thus facilitating the process for HR managers.

With its user-friendly self-service recognition platform, it’s easy to send each employee a personalized gift. Simply enter the details of the employees you want to celebrate, choose the amount to give each of them, and write the message that will accompany your gift.

For larger companies, its turnkey service is the ideal option. In 3 easy steps, it allows employees to receive a personalized recognition email that contains a link to an online corporate store that reflects the employer's image. In this store, employees have access to a host of exciting rewards.