Yes I have a few suggestions. It would help if you told us more, like how long you have been in business
and how many employees you have.
One suggestion is TIME OFF . It is summer time, an extra day or week off.
Another is DINNER and a SHOW for two.
Can the employee work from HOME??
Let me know if you need more ideas
Luckiest

I tell you, sometimes just telling the employee that they are doing a great job goes a long way. People sometimes forget how important that can be.

I have also seen books available online that detail 101 things you can do for employee recognition (maybe it was 1001 things!).

A recent survey by Inc said time off and $ are the best by far according to employees. That is no surprise.

James J Moore, AIC, MBA, ChFC, ARM
http://www.cutcompcosts.com

In addition to time off and a big thank you, you could also consider giving the employee a title boost. People find getting a better title a really great thing.

I am glad you have this question. I am starting up a business that cater to businesses/people like yourself. I am looking to start relationships with businesses that would like to recognize their employees for "a job well done" and birthdays. I have a candle and basket business that could be given to women or men.
My plan is to create a database with names and birthdates (without the year) and track these myself. Relieving the managers from this duty. I will drop the gifts off or send ship them to the jobs on the employee's birthday or day of recognition.

My question is, how would you, as a business owner, like this idea? Would this help you in your operation? How much of a budget would you set aside for something like this?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Remember to say "Thank YOU" and show you mean it. Often, that goes a long way.
Gift, raise, money etc should realy depend on your exact situation. You don't wan to set precedents you wont be able to keep up with in the immediate or even distant future.

So if you have a realy small shop (less than 20 employee) a personal gift like a dinner etc could be appropriate, for a bigger organization, you may consider the Gift Card option or even a token monetry gift (bonus) during the holiday season.

But don't forget the thank you.

Hi, I gave a gift certificate to one of my employees for a "Day of Beauty" massage , facial etc. well deserved and well appreciated. I also think having your best employees at your home for a special dinner is a personal touch or a cocktail party.
Catherine

I am working with Ribbon Gift Album. Depending on the you budget, you get those albums ranging from $25 - 750 and hand it over to your customer.

 

You just have to consider your budget here and not the customer's taste etc as there will be a number of options for your customer to choose from. Then they will just pick up the phone or order there gift over internet and the gift will be shiped to them, of-course no shipping.

 

This can be proved to be an excellent way of showing your appreciation.

 

Let me know if you need further information.

 

Best Regards.

Gift cards!

I buy gift cards to places I know my employees like - Outback Steakhouse, Champs Sports, NFL shops (I have an all male crew) but when I am ready to reward - I simply let them choose what they are in the mood for. A $50 gift card for a job well done, should not break the bank.

There are some great ideas on here. Here are some of the lower cost ideas that we did for our employees while we were just starting out:

1. Personalized business card holders, name plates, picture frames. These items can be engraved and prepared in a very short time at most malls. Most of them will cost you $20 - $30 and they look very impressive when done. We gave these to our employees and they loved them. It was a sense of pride.

2. Gift cards. I see this has been suggested but you can't believe how much people really love these. Places like Target, Best Buy or WalMart. Employees can then use it towards the purchase of something they want.

3. Special recognition at an employee staff meeting. Getting the attention and gratitude of your peers is a GREAT self motivator. You should recognize your employees at various meetings to show that they are doing an exceptional job.

Hope this helps anybody thinking about ideas.

CC08