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Award season is upon us: Boost morale with fun company awards

Read Time: 4 minutes

Posted: February 8, 2022

Every company has a few employees who go above and beyond. These team members may not star in the leading role of the next best film, but to the company, they’re winners who deserve a big round of applause. Recognizing staff reaps benefits for your business too: 37% of employees opens in new window say being recognized more often would encourage them to produce better work. Plus, a team member who’s been recognized is 63% more likely to stay opens in new window with a company over the next three to six months. Here are several fun award ideas to recognize your best leads, supporting roles and more.

37% of employees say being recognized more often would encourage them to produce better work.

Project of the year

Did your business complete an amazing project? Congratulate each person who made that project a success by giving them a memorable award. Send out a team-wide email thanking each person and describing their role. Award each contributor with a lovely basket of goodies: A Fancy Favor Gift Box with Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels, a smooth Wisdom Twist Metal Pen & Rollerball Pen Set and a Sherpa Lined Rustic Ranch Throw Blanket will have your team feeling more appreciated and loyal than ever.

Fan favorite

Which employee do clients rave about? What name gets mentioned most often in five-star customer reviews? Who knows how to best resolve conflict? And which staff members are top team players? Award your fan-favorite employees with something memorable. A heartfelt thank-you note signed by the whole team tugs at heartstrings like no other. A metallic Viking Vacuum Tumbler or Iced Vinay Stemless Cup are great awards for their form and function. Staff will be reminded of your appreciation every time they take a sip.

Best dressed

From the sleekest styles to the best ensembles, hand out awards for the best dressed employees. Divide your awards into categories like most versatile, best accessorized and biggest fashion statement. Stay in theme—a quality piece of apparel is an award just about anyone can appreciate.

A Mila 3/4 Sleeve Knit Cardigan is a classy layering piece that’s easily worn at work or home. A Night Watch Cuffed Beanie keeps wearers warm on chilly days. And a Stain Repel Twill Shirt stays fresh and wrinkle-free no matter what the day brings.

Early bird/night owl

Do you have a team member who is always up and at it first thing in the morning? Or an employee who cranks out their best work after hours? Give a special award to your early bird and night owl employees. A thoughtful gift basket filled with a 4-Way Nut Tin, an Oatmeal Raisin Clif Bar® and an Iced Tea Drink Mix can help keep them going strong all night—or morning—long.

Tidiest workspace

For the employee who always keeps their cubicle neat, clean and in order, recognize them with a tidiest workspace award. An Oxford Executive Desk Organizer will let them organize in style. A Trunk Organizer helps them conquer untamed trunk territory so they can keep their car as orderly as their workspace. If your neat and tidy employee travels for work, a Mobile Professional Laptop Tote will be much appreciated. It has a secure spot for their tablet, cords, laptop and more.

Best idea

Do you have idea-producers that help skyrocket sales? Or an employee that helped to create a healthier workplace culture? Thank them with an award recognizing their idea-producing prowess. Imprint an Influential Crystal Award with a personalized message they’ll be thrilled to display in their office. Useful gifts, like a Basecamp Multi-Mate Tool or stylish Westbridge Leather Rucksack Backpack, are memorable choices. Every time they need a tool or grab their backpack, they’ll appreciate your thoughtful recognition. Add in an extra day of PTO for an even more unforgettable award.

Best employee in a supporting role

Support staff are crucial to a business’s success. They keep day-to-day operations running smoothly so nothing falls through the cracks. Award your best employee in a supporting role with a memory-making opportunity, like a gift card to take their partner out to eat or a ticket to a sporting event or show.

Want to cater to your employee’s likes and interests? Choose a hobby-themed award. If they’re crafty, a Fine Point Felt Tip Pen Marker pack is perfect. For a budding chef, a Top Choice Ceramic Set will be used time and again. And a Basecamp Grizzly COB Lantern with Wireless Speaker is a great choice for outdoorsy staff—they can light up their neck of the woods just like they light up your workplace.

Bolster staff loyalty with awards

With countless ways and ideas to award your star employees—from fan favorite to best dressed to tidiest office—you’ll boost staff loyalty and appreciation like never before!

All marks are the property of 4imprint or their respective owners.

“17 Employee Recognition Statistics That Will Make You Think (2022).” Apollo Technical LLC, 11 Jun. 2021, https://www.apollotechnical.com/employee-recognition-statistics.

Hastwell, Claire. “Creating a Culture of Recognition.” Great Place to Work®, 9 Sept. 2021, https://www.greatplacetowork.com/resources/blog/creating-a-culture-of-recognition.

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