Do you ever wonder why glass awards are any different then crystal awards? At first glance, glass awards appear to be similar to crystal awards. However, with a little further attention it becomes clear that crystal awards offer additional qualities that are valuable.
Crystal and glass awards are similar but still very different substrates. They each offer something unique to an award design.
Recognition programs work because they meet the basic human need for esteem, confidence, and respect. When organizations strive to meet this need in their employees, their recognition programs produce better results because their employees become even more successful.
Abraham Maslow was a psychologist who studied human needs in the 1940s. In his research, Maslow found that highly successful people have satisfied their basic human needs. Basic human needs include food, water, sleep, security, friendship or family, confidence or esteem, respect, and morality. The needs build on each other in a pyramid-like fashion. The lowest ranked need must be met before the next set of needs can be achieved.
The figure below shows how recognition programs meet the human need for esteem, respect, and confidence.
Corporate awards motivate employees and build company pride. A recognition program is like a stone thrown into a pond – the stone produces layers of ripples that go on and on. A similar effect is created when one employee receives a reward that inspires another employee, who inspires another employee, and so on. The ripple-effect of a recognition awards program will make your business more productive and profitable.
According to our research, organizations that use a corporate awards program correctly can be 18% more productive and 16% more profitable! The reason why recognition programs get great results is because employees who are recognized with corporate awards are more engaged in their work. These employees accomplish more in less time and therefore help the business make more money.
Use your business goals to build a foundation for your corporate awards program. Reward the things that employees do to meet the business goals that drive your organization. This will benefit your bottom-line directly.
Team recognition shines the spotlight on a group of individuals rather than just one person. However, team recognition honors multiple contributors rather than just one individual.
When they present to a team, award presenters tend to generalize their comments without personally recognizing each member for their unique contribution. Don’t make this critical mistake! It is imperative that presenters recognize both the individuals on the team one at a time and the team as a unit.
The Corporate Executive Board (CEB) is a group of professionals from a variety of fields including, human resources, legal, finance, information technology, sales, and marketing. CEB delivers data and tools, along with best practices to over 120,000 executives on a regular basis. This organization has outlined the following four common mistakes to avoid when recognizing a team.
A symbol is a three-dimensional item that holds incredible emotional value. The American flag is a great example of a symbolic item. This symbol is recognizable throughout the world, representing freedom, opportunity, and justice.
On a smaller scale, corporate logos have the same effect. Think for a minute of the Apple logo: what comes to mind? Innovation, entertainment, education, or connection to others?
Now think about Coca-Cola or Nike. Their company logos have become so recognizable that our minds can call them out in a moment.
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.
Peer-to-Peer Recognition is a form of recognition that occurs between employees; it does not come from the top-down. It occurs when one employee sees another employee do something to support the organizational goals, direction, or culture, and compliments this person. This type of recognition is effective because it builds a sense of togetherness among employees.
When your employees start to recognize each other for working in a way that reflects the corporate values you know that your employees are living out the corporate culture and taking it to heart. This alone is a positive sign and a milestone to commemorate!
Professional salespeople thrive on meeting their goals. Many organizations use sales recognition programs to motivate their sales staff. The sales recognition program acts like the rudder on a boat, keeping the salespeople on course and focused on the organization’s goal. A sales program also feeds into the natural competitive nature of most salespeople. Healthy competition motivates salespeople to improve and grow.
Honoring employees for years of service as part of a service recognition program is a long-standing part of the history of business in America. Many organizations regularly thank their employees for coming to work year in and year out, which alone deserves a reward.
The practice of recognition has its benefits. Two of the most important benefits to a service recognition program are increased employee engagement and lower turnover. Recognition programs are very good at accomplishing both of these goals.
What does having an increase in employee engagement mean to a business?
Recognition planners have an unlimited number of choices for recognition awards, so why should you consider crystal awards?
Crystal awards are popular among today’s professionals because they are rare. These awards are not typically part of daily life, like other rewards. Although you may not indulge in travel, merchandise, or gift cards on a regular basis, these items typically appear at some point in a lifetime. But seriously, how often do you buy yourself a hand-etched crystal award?