Employee Recognition 101: How to plan events to improve company morale

Many of our clients are looking for more than just another repetitive happy hour. They want their company events to truly improve company culture, to drive connections, and improve working relationships in the office. 

One key area for those improvements is with regard to employee recognition. If you're looking for help infusing recognition into your company events, you'll want to start with these simple questions.

1. What do you want to celebrate? 

• Is your company celebrating any company-wide milestones?
  • If yes, what is the company milestone? 
    • Some examples include: A company anniversary, hitting a goal number of product downloads, hitting a number of users, making a key acquisition, etc.  
  • Is there a way you can incorporate this company milestone into the event theme? 
  • Do you want to order any swag to acknowledge this milestone? 
• Are there any individual milestones the company wants to celebrate?
  • If yes, which one(s) do you think should be recognized at the upcoming event? 
    • Some examples include: reaching tenure, hitting quarterly or annual sales goals, celebrating birthdays, etc. 
  • Which employees should be recognized for this milestone?

2. How do you want to demonstrate your recognition? 

• Employee gifts 
• Cash bonuses or gift certificates 
• Speech from managers or leaders 
• Company-branded swag 
• Give emerging leaders the chance to take on a leadership role 
• Wellness perks like fitness class, massage sessions, or time off

3. What other questions should I consider when thinking through recognition as part of your event strategy? 

• Is this a surprise?  
• What budget, if any, can you put behind your recognition efforts?  
• How will those being recognized feel most appreciated?
  • Remember to be mindful of different play personalities and inclusion. 

We're big believers that having the right events strategy can improve your company culture. The time and energy invested in thinking through how your events can have a transformative impact on your company by doing the following:

• Creating greater employee recognition 
• Creating real personal connections at work 
• Finding and encouraging balance at all levels of the organization 
• Creating a culture of inclusion  
• Creating a fun environment where people actually want to come to work.

But don't just take our word for it. We'd love to help you bring it to life in your company! Want to work together on your next big event? Just reach out!