How many different ways are there to recognizing employees? You have probably thought of and participated in, a company awards ceremony that handed out promotional achievement awards and plaques. You may be familiar with other awards such as vacation trips or gift cards to nice restaurants or retail stores. Many of these forms of recognition can become very costly per recipient. Let’s look at different example of how a company recognized its work force. Last month, the manager from a manufacturing plant here in the US, with a work force of approximately 140 people, contacted me. Their concern was about the extreme heat on the work floor. In an environment like this, the workers begin to slow their work pace down and there was the concern that still others may call in sick because of the heat. Recognizing this concern, the manager wanted to literally cool the people down, so we decided that provide each worker with a 34 oz insulated mug with a spill proof lid that they could fill with ice and water. Each employee also received a “cool wrap bandanna”. These specialty bandannas have crystals sewn-into the material, and once immersed into water, they will keep the wearer’s neck cool for up to 2 hours and are reusable.


 Sometimes recognition isn’t just receiving an award after the fact. Recognition of the value of each employee in this case, was achieved by providing an immediate solution. Knowing that your boss is going to keep your best interests in mind, is of great benefit to everyone. Think of the positive conversations both inside and out of work relating to these inexpensive products of high-perceived-value. In addition to the health comfort, the goodwill and notoriety of the company providing these tools, is probably still being talked about in a positive atmosphere today. Now the corporate bean-counter, aka CPA, probably saw this cost as an expense instead of an investment in its work force. Sometimes its best not to wait for an awards ceremony, rather, recognizing people for the right reasons at the right time, are more beneficial to everyone.

John Gallagher promotional products distributor since 1997.