Employee Of The Month Ideas That Aren’t Boring

When it comes to recognizing outstanding employees, the traditional “Employee of the Month” badge can feel a bit stale.

In today’s fast-paced work environment, it may not always spark the excitement or appreciation you hope for.

Recognizing top talent is crucial for keeping morale high and encouraging consistent performance. But if your employee of the month awards feel boring, it’s time to get creative.

In this guide, we’ll explore 15 employee of the month ideas that will not only honor your star employees but also inspire the entire team!

What Is an Employee Of The Month Award?

An employee of the month award is a structured form of recognition given to a team member who has excelled in their role for the month.

The award can be based on various performance metrics like productivity, teamwork, innovation, or customer satisfaction.

While the traditional employee of the month ideas often include a certificate and a mention in the company newsletter, there are plenty of ways to make it more impactful, motivating, and personalized.

Things to Be Mindful of When It Comes to Employee of the Month Ideas

1. Avoid Favoritism:
   Ensure that everyone has an equal chance of winning by setting clear and measurable criteria for the award. Rotating the recognition across departments can help spread appreciation fairly.
   
   
2. Be Transparent:
   Make sure your employees know exactly how they can be considered for the award. If the process seems unclear or biased, it can lead to disengagement rather than motivation.
   
   
3. Diversity of Awards:
   Different employees are motivated by different things. Some may prefer public recognition, while others may enjoy a more personal, quiet acknowledgment of their achievements.
   
   
4. Recognition Frequency:
   Keep things exciting by rotating and switching up your employee of the month ideas.
   
   
5. Align Recognition with Company Values:
   When deciding on your employee of the month ideas, consider what values your company holds dear and tie the recognition to those principles.

Why Should You Adopt An Employee Of The Month Program?

Incorporating an employee of the month program into your company culture has several benefits:

1. Boosts Morale:
   Regular recognition boosts morale, helping employees feel appreciated and valued for their hard work.
   
   
2. Encourages Friendly Competition:
   With clear goals and rewards in place, employees may feel more motivated to perform at their best, knowing they could be the next recipient of the award.
   
   
3. Fosters a Culture of Recognition:
   When employees are consistently recognized for their efforts, it creates a positive work environment where hard work and dedication are encouraged.
   
   
4. Increases Productivity:
   Happy and motivated employees tend to be more productive. Employee of the month programs are a great way to acknowledge achievements and keep employees engaged.
   
   
5. Attracts and Retains Talent:
   A robust recognition program helps attract top talent and shows potential hires that your company values its employees. It’s also key to retaining current employees by making them feel appreciated and supported.

15 Employee Of The Month Ideas To Boost Morale

1. Gift Card of Their Choice
   
   If you’re the employee of the month, it’s only right that you get to pick out your own gift card. Platforms like Toasty offer choice cards, allowing the recipient to select a reward that truly resonates with them.
   
   
2. Personalized Trophy or Plaque
   
   Create custom awards with the employee’s name and the month they earned it. A physical memento like this makes your employee of the month idea stand out and gives the winner something tangible to display proudly.
   
   
3. A Team Lunch in Their Honor
   
   Organize a team lunch where the employee of the month gets to choose the menu. This is one of those employee of the month ideas that celebrates success in a fun and social setting.
   
   
4. Feature in the Company Newsletter or Social Media
   
   Give your employee some time in the spotlight by featuring them on the company’s newsletter or social media channels. This kind of public recognition is great for building their professional brand, as well as boosting morale internally.
   
   
5. VIP Parking Spot
   
   Give the employee of the month a premium parking space near the office entrance. It’s a simple but highly effective perk, especially in companies where parking is competitive. This daily reminder of their achievement keeps motivation high.
   
   
6. Day Off or Early Dismissal
   
   Reward your employee of the month with a paid day off or the opportunity to leave early on a Friday. Time is a precious commodity, and gifting time away from work is often more appreciated than physical gifts.
   
   
7. Recognition Wall of Fame
   
   Dedicate a spot in the office for an employee of the month “Wall of Fame.” Include their photo and a short description of why they won. This visual reminder keeps the recognition going all month long and inspires others to strive for the award.
   
   
8. Experience-Based Rewards
   
   Rather than giving physical gifts, offer experience-based rewards like a day at the spa, a cooking class, or concert tickets. These types of employee of the month ideas provide lasting memories, which can have a bigger impact than material items.
   
   
9. Lunch With the CEO
   
   Offer the employee of the month the chance to have lunch with the CEO or upper management. This creates an open dialogue and makes the employee feel valued and heard by the company’s leadership.
   
   
10. Employee of the Month Charity Donation
    
    Let the employee of the month choose a charity and make a donation in their name. This option is particularly impactful for employees who are passionate about giving back.
    
    
11. Office Decoration Privileges
    
    Allow the employee of the month to redecorate a communal office space or their own work area with personal items, artwork, or branding of their choice. A personal touch can make the work environment feel more comfortable and motivating.
    
    
12. Certificate of Achievement
    
    Sometimes, a well-crafted, beautifully designed certificate can go a long way. Make sure it’s framed so they can proudly display it at their workstation.
    
    
13. Mentorship Opportunities
    
    For those looking to grow professionally, Offer mentorship as part of your employee of the month ideas. Pair them with a senior leader or expert in their field for a one-on-one learning experience.
    
    
14. Customized Swag
    
    Create exclusive company merchandise like jackets, backpacks, or notebooks that only employees of the month receive. This adds an element of exclusivity to the reward, making it more coveted among team members.
    
    
15. Professional Development Courses
    
    Support your employee’s growth by offering a fully-paid professional development course or conference. This is a valuable employee of the month idea that helps them sharpen their skills while feeling supported in their career trajectory.

While employee of the month awards are important and encourage healthy competition, it’s crucial to show appreciation year-round. For more inspiration, check out our article on employee recognition ideas.

Implement Employee of the Month Awards with Toasty

With Toasty, recognizing your employees has never been easier. Here’s how we support your employee recognition efforts!

1. Personalized Gift Cards: Send gift cards directly to employees with customized messages and branding.
   
   
2. Easy Tracking: Toasty allows you to keep track of all rewards for easy reporting and order management.
   
   
3. Flexible Options: Recipients choose from a wide variety of gift card options, from dining and retail to experiences and travel.

With Toasty’s user-friendly and cost-free platform, you can recognize your top talent effortlessly, and even automate gifts for birthdays or work anniversaries!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does an Employee of the Month program benefit my company?

Employee of the month programs help boost morale, increase productivity, and foster a culture of recognition. Happy, motivated employees are more likely to stay engaged and perform at their best.

What are some low-cost employee of the month ideas?

Consider non-monetary recognition like social media shoutouts, certificates, or flexible work perks like an extra day off.

How can I incorporate an Employee of the Month program for remote teams?

Use online recognition platforms like Toasty o send digital rewards. This allows you to instantly deliver thoughtful gifts to your remote team members, ensuring they feel just as valued and appreciated as in-office employees.

How do you determine who gets Employee of the Month?

Decide based on clear, measurable criteria such as productivity, innovation, teamwork, or customer satisfaction. Ensure that the process is transparent and fair for all employees.