Online points, latest thing in recognition

A points-based system, where teams or individuals accumulate points toward the selection of rewards, can meet the need to recognize both teams and individuals

All too often, a very special employee contribution goes not unnoticed, but unrecognized as managers are called to put out fires. This does not have to occur. Technology can help.

The latest innovations in online-based employee recognition increase the odds of achieving success and efficiency in recognition.

Recognizing an entire group, team, or division for performance and service can prove even more difficult than recognizing individual contributions. However, a group-based recognition program can be the key to keeping employees engaged in their work and focused on continuous success. A points-based system, where teams or individuals accumulate points toward the selection of rewards, can meet the need to recognize both teams and individuals.

Because the points system is online, administration is eased and employees are able to track their progress towards reward targets.

To successfully implement a points-based recognition program, HR must determine which performance objectives and behaviours are most desirable within the organization. Once objectives are chosen, HR staff select from a variety of award items that will be available to employees and assign a point value to each award.

Specific opportunities for awarding employees with points might include:

•customer recommendations;

•exceeding production benchmarks;

•new employee referrals;

•being chosen employee of the month;

•perfect attendance within a specific time period;

•product or service introduction;

•sales contests; and

•workplace safety/accident free months.

These milestones and objectives form the basis of an online application that allows employees to continuously log-in to track their point levels and select corresponding awards. Program administrators are freed up to perform their daily job duties.

The online application can be scaled to include additional recognition programs, new products and advanced employee communication.

Other benefits of online recognition applications include:

•24-hour, seven-days-week online access for program administrators and employees;

•ability to combine both formal and informal recognition methods;

•customizable order entry interface and personalization elements;

•daily, weekly and monthly administration statistics;

•direct order placement and fulfillment;

•hassle-free communication with award recipients;

•low setup, maintenance and hosting fees;

•Web-based, paper-free administration;

•administrators can access program history, progress and enhancements through an easy-to-use interface;

•all employees can be included and awarded regardless of physical location;

•e-mail communication reduces paperwork;

•program objectives can be catered to recipient goals, both short and long term;

•program setup and maintenance can be tailored to meet unique organizational objectives;

•simplified communication allows offline program participants to print brochures, statements and certificates; and

•supervisors and top management are continuously aware of employee progress.

Integrating an organization’s recognition initiatives with an online application creates operational efficiencies, improves communication and motivates employees. A points-based system can integrate other recognition programs including specific applications for sales milestones, quality control, safety performance, attendance and other criteria.

After all, what is recognized is reinforced; what is reinforced is remembered.

Mike Byam is managing partner of the Terryberry Company (www.Terryberry.com). For more information contact (905) 607-7519 or [email protected].

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