So you’ve looked around and realized that you’re missing something in your organization. Maybe your retention numbers aren’t looking so good? Maybe you lost a couple of recruits to a competitor? Maybe an vital employee with years of experience has recently left for greener pastures? Whatever the case, you’ve decided that it’s time to jump on the bandwagon and implement a years of service award program at your company. Welcome aboard! What comes next?
Years of Service Programs
Well, probably the first step should be to determine the anniversary milestones you want to recognize. Traditionally, Years of Service Awards were issued to recognize long-term service-- twenty-five years and up with a single company. However in this lean, mean, job-hopping economy machine an employee stands out after staying in a position for even as long as five years. We recommend that you of course scale your rewards to the length of service, but beginning your YOS program with a small nod of thanks as early as the one year anniversary can help to build a culture of loyalty and expectation within your workforce. At the least, plan to mark five year increments of service.
Related: The Modern Guide to Years of Service Awards
Once you have a plan for which anniversaries you will mark, it’s important to get organized about keeping track of your employees’ length of service. Implementing a platform that tracks performance and length of service can keep your good intentions on track to become realities. CA Short can help with that! We also provide you with a comprehensive and updated catalog of award options that you can personalize for your organization. Awards that your employees will actually appreciate and anticipate! Awards that you can tailor to your budget and the aesthetic and ideals of your organization.
Employee Recognition Programs
So now you’ve set your milestones, implemented an organizational system, and cataloged a selection of awards and prizes… Before you close the book on your years of service program set up, there’s one more thing to think about. Remember that presentation is everything. You can have a great program and amazing awards, but if you mail someone a plaque, or toss it onto their desk in passing, you’re missing the whole point. A years of service recognition program is nothing without pizazz. Throw a party! Invite the whole office in! Make a speech! Show that you value an individual’s years of service-- don’t just engrave it on something.
If you run into hiccups as you’re implementing your years of service program, give us a call or email! The Certified Recognition Professionals at CA Short are to help in any way we can. Our decades of experience have given us some great ideas that we’d love to share with you!
