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If you work in an office, you know the classic cast of characters – the office gossip, the overachiever, and the rookie seem to make an appearance in every office. While you may think that you’re above labels (except, of course, “greatest employee of all time”), it’s likely that you fall into a certain employee category just like all your coworkers. Instead of guessing what kind of employee you are, take this quiz from PaperDirect to learn whether you’re a social butterfly, disappearing act, or something in between. Click the image below to start the quiz!

Link above didn’t work? Access the quiz here. 

If you appreciate your employees and all the hard work they do for you, taking a moment to show gratitude goes a long way. After all, who doesn’t love hearing those two magic words: thank you!

If you’re ready to amp up the employee morale in your office, you can spread kindness and thanks every day of the week with these low-cost employee appreciation ideas and gifts.

Low-cost employee appreciation ideas 

1. Sweet treat: A morning pastry, gourmet cup of coffee or afternoon chocolate bar will create a smile.
2. Lapel pin: A little celebratory bling is always a good thing.
3. Gift card: Declare lunch on you at your employee’s favorite restaurant.
4. Coffee mug: Fill a novelty insulated mug with tea bags or instant coffee packets.
5. Set of note cards: Monogrammed thank you notes are adorable and perfect for the wordy person on your staff.
6. Small trophy: A little award to display proudly on a shelf is sure to express your heartfelt gratitude.
7. Sticky notes: Small stacks of cute paper is always a fun addition to a busy desk.
8. Deluxe pen: They’re cozy in the hand and smooth on paper. We all love a quality writing tool!
9. Desk candle: Add a warm ambiance and gentle fragrance to the colleague’s workspace.
10. Business card holder: Shiny, classic or whimsical, a new card holder is always a welcome gift.
11. Handwritten note: Grab fancy stationery, a colorful pen, and write a few positive sentences about your hardworking employee.
12. Candy jar: Desk decorations should serve a purpose, like feeding that afternoon sweet tooth. Fill a cookie jar with a favorite treat and surprise the recipient!
13. Mini calendar: Have a small desk calendar made featuring photos of fun office antics snagged from Instagram.
14. Hand-held game: An old school, mind-bending toy is the perfect office stress reliever and gift!
15. Decorative lanyard: Present a new way to carry around office ID cards or keys.
16. Award certificate: Name the good deed and the recipient on a frame-worthy document that can be proudly displayed in the office.

Are you ready to stock up on low-cost employee appreciation gifts? Browse the selection at PaperDirect online, fill your shopping cart and have these goodies sent directly to your office. It’s time to spread some joy!

Every manager of remote workers can agree that they are a valuable part of your team. However, as much as you appreciate them, it’s easy for them to feel a bit isolated from the main office, especially if the majority of the team is based in one location. Incorporating ways to make your remote employees feel included and appreciated regularly can do wonders for your remote staff’s morale and loyalty.

Here are a few tips on how to manage remote workers, and make them feel like the valued part of the team that they are!

Include them on newsletters

One of the simplest things you can do is loop your remote workers into a weekly or monthly newsletter, which you might already be sending out! Even if every part of the letter isn’t strictly related to your workers, it can be a great way to keep remote workers in the loop about happenings and updates at the main office.

Keep them updated on changes in the company

By the same token, while it might not occur to you to tell your freelancers about changes to the company until it impacts them, keeping your remote workers in the loop can go a long way to making them feel like they’re part of the team. Everybody benefits from honest and open communication, and you’ll likely find that your remote workers are much more engaged when they are consistently updated on changes.

Set measurable goals and recognize workers

Whether your remote workers are handling data, answering phones, writing copy, or any other manner of tasks, you likely have some measurable goals set for each remote worker to meet. However, some employee recognition goes a long way when they meet their goals or far exceed your expectations. Send them a certificate or small gift as a thank you for a job well done.  

Get your remote workers some company swag

Everyone loves free things! If you’re ordering new t-shirts or branded coffee mugs for your team, be sure to send to your remote workers. Getting them some new swag will make them feel included in the company, no matter how far away they are.

Don’t just communicate via email 

We get it — the easiest way to communicate is to shoot somebody a quick email. Not to mention, having things in writing is a great way to look back on tasks when you’re not working in an office. Despite the benefits of email, setting a semi-regular call to check in with your remote workers will establish a much better rapport than communicating via text alone.  Regular phone check-ins will make any freelancer feel more personally attached to and supported by you and your company.

Whether you choose to incorporate one or all of these ideas into your management of remote workers, they’re sure to appreciate your effort to make them a true part of the team. If you plan to send your remote team certificates or other tokens of appreciation, PaperDirect has you covered. Shop our line of recognition products today!

If you want to earn the title of Best Boss Ever, highlight this date: March 2 – National Employee Appreciation Day. Celebrate this office holiday to show your hard-working staff how much you appreciate their diligence every day. This day of recognition happens on the first Friday of March each year, so make it a recurring notification on your digital calendar.

Now, let’s get down to business and express our gratitude for the people who make the business shine. Since it’s a Friday, it’s easy to mix up the work day a bit and spoil everyone before the weekend. Try one or two of these ideas for employee appreciation day!

1. Cater a full breakfast

By the end of the week, most employees are pretty tired and likely not enjoying a balanced breakfast before their workday. Send out a memo early in the week that breakfast is on you on Friday! Find a caterer to bring in all the morning favorites including pancakes, eggs, sausage, fresh fruit and gourmet coffee.

2. Plan an off-site adventure

Whether it spans the lunch break or fills the second half of the workday, get out of the office and do something social as a group. Visit the zoo. Go skiing. Walk dogs at the animal shelter. Hike local trails. Go on a sightseeing tour. Try bowling. Take lots of pictures and be sure to post it to your business social media to show that you don’t sit at desks 24/7!

3. Relax the dress code

Instead of business attire, encourage everyone to wear a T-shirt, jersey, or sweatshirt that shows off something they love. It might be a sports team, band, animal, stage performance, college, or brand. Then, offer up cute awards throughout the day for Most Cozy, Coolest Band, Best Team Spirit, Silliest Style, Bright and Bold, and more! Document each one with a photo and sentence or two on the office communication system.

4. Write thank you notes

Supervisors should take a few moments to pen a few words of gratitude to the people in their department. Call out a few positive attributes about each employee or commend them for a job well done on a recent project. Present the handwritten cards with a small token of appreciation, like a candy bar, new coffee mug, or a gift card to a local coffee shop.

5. Start the weekend early

No holiday is complete without a little extra time off! If your business can swing it, make it a half day on Friday. Or, give each employee a half-day award certificate they can use on a day that better fits into their schedule in March. Time away from the office for rest and hobbies makes everyone sharper when it’s time to focus on work tasks!

Are you ready to highlight the achievements and contributions of your employees? Stock up on employee awards and recognition certificates at PaperDirect.

A little kudos goes a long way. If you haven’t yet, it’s time to roll out an effective employee recognition program at your company. Motivate your team to put in 100 percent each day by rewarding their achievements, big and small, throughout the year.

The human resources professionals at HR Technologist explain that recognition is simply showing appreciation in a structured manner. This outreach is known to elevate the overall level of happiness in the office, boost employee job satisfaction, improve team spirit, lower turnover rates, and help maintain a strong company brand. We could all use more of that, right?

Set up An Employee Recognition Program

Create a recognition team to outline, implement, and oversee the new program. The CEO, department supervisors, and human resources should all be invited to attend. For a broader reach, consider including a veteran employee, as well as a new hire or intern, to get a variety of insight and feedback as you plan and carry out the program.

When creating the guidelines for the program, closely marry them with your company’s goals, strategies, and organizational behaviors. When one of these ideals is met, recognition is given.

Next, choose how to implement the system. Is it perpetual and recognition is highlighted daily, or is weekly outreach more appropriate? Decide what is best for the size and structure of your team. For example, some offices do a multi-layered approach, where supervisors can bestow recognition onto their colleagues at any time, while appreciation from senior management is held until a monthly newsletter or annual all-staff meeting.

Finally, measure how effective the program is overall. Give the employees surveys, measure absentee days, gauge the overall flow of the office, check-in on productivity levels, and how well goals are being met. Is the program improving the work environment?

Make the Program Meaningful for Your Staff

Let’s talk about the rewards! A simple thank you from a co-worker can put a pep in your step. Sometimes a token of appreciation for a job well done is more appropriate. The key is devising a sliding scale of recognition methods based on the level and depth performance you’re rewarding. Adding great ideas to a department meeting could be rewarded with a personal note, while hitting a five-year project goal warrants a more substantial gift presented at a company party.

Here are a few ideas for sharing your gratitude:

• An in-person thank you and handshake
• A public shout-out on the company social media
• A handwritten thank you note
• A note in the company newsletter
• A gourmet snack or beverage
• A gift featuring the company logo (coffee mug, shirt, or hat)
• An elegant ink pen
• A monogrammed stationery and note card set
• A lapel pin
• A gift card to a favorite lunch spot
• A framed award certificate
• A small award trophy
• A piece of jewelry (watch, necklace, or ring)
• A weekend getaway
• A financial bonus

Who administers the recognition is also important. Day-to-day recognition can easily be exchanged between lateral employees and direct supervisors. However, when a senior-level executive recognizes the extra effort put forth by a new staff member, it adds value to the interaction.

Above all, make sure the rewards system fits your business structure. Is your company team-focused? Reward teams. Is everyone completing individual tasks? Highlight individuals. And, recognize them in a way that suits them. Millennial workers love public recognition on social media while veteran employees may appreciate a more quiet one-on-one thank you from their supervisor of many years.

Are you ready to stock up on a few employee recognition items to have on hand at your office? PaperDirect offers everything from lapel pins and trophies, to paper certificates and coffee mugs. Browse our online store today!

Your colleague excels. You look forward to collaborating with them and know they put their best foot forward every time you ask for assistance. If you want to give them a more heartfelt thank you than a quick email, an employee recognition letter is the way to go.

If putting your thoughts into words on paper has left you tongue-tied, we’ve got the solution. Craft a one-page document that glorifies their professional skills and unique attributes and gives them genuine praise for the hard work they do at work. Here’s how to write a powerful employee recognition letter: 

Employee Recognition Letter Prep

Before you start writing, brainstorm what topics you want to address. Here’s a list of questions to wake up your brain and get your thoughts organized before updating the sample letter to fit your employee’s needs.

• What projects or achievements instantly stand out in your memory?
• What specific qualities does this employee bring to their work tasks?
• What’s it like to work with this employee on a daily basis?
• Review basic employee stats, including their length of employment and promotions.

Now that you’re in the right mindset, let’s craft that letter. Use this template to guide the structure and flow of the piece, customizing each section to fit the purpose of the letter.

Sample Employee Recognition Letter

Letter Outline

Introduction (1 paragraph): Thank or congratulate them for their hard work and achievements at work.

Body (2 paragraphs): Dive deeper into their achievements and work. How did their actions help you and the business? What specific things did they do to warrant recognition?

Conclusion (1 paragraph): Reiterate your thanks, and highlight how you look forward to working with them in the future.

Sample letter

Dear Leslie,

I wanted to say thank you for the dedication and hard work you’ve put into your job here at ACME industries over the past year. No matter what project you’re tackling, you always bring invaluable insight and motivation to the task.

I was particularly impressed with your work on the presentation for our sales team that lead to a 12 percent increase in their fourth-quarter earnings, which was double their projected growth. Your presentation was a direct catalyst for this growth.

Your attention to detail and determination to see the company succeed and grow into an international namesake is a huge asset. You always bring positivity to the office that inspires the colleagues you supervise, and your background in e-commerce and retail bring a fresh perspective to our business.

It has been an absolute pleasure having you on our team this past year, and I look forward to watching you continue to grow and excel as a part of the ACME team.

Sincerely,

Sarah Conrad

CEO, ACME Industries

Finally, print the employee recognition letter on top-quality monogrammed paper to give it that extra touch of professionalism before sending it off. Shop PaperDirect for the perfect stationery and employee recognition supplies today!

You adore your business team. Employees go the extra mile and come up with creative solutions each time you ask. If your verbal pats on the back are starting to feel a little lame or overused, surprise your standout employees with something a little more. These creative employee recognition ideas will express your gratitude and make a lasting impression!

Write a Thank You Note

Skip the email. Instead, use a nice pen and a thank you note to explain why you’re thrilled with your employee’s performance. Taking the time to express your feelings on paper shows more care than a simple thank you email.

Give a Gift Card

Keep a stash of $10 gift cards to popular coffee shops and lunch spots that your staff frequent. When you want to recognize a moment in which your employee shined, say thanks, then hand the employee a gift card as a small acknowledgment of their hard work.

Share Some Sparkle

Lapel pins featuring the company logo, positive words, or industry related icons show your gratitude. Be sure to pin them to little cards printed with a quote about positivity or teamwork before you gift them to high-performing employees.

Sit Down and Chat

Sometimes all an employee wants is a bit of your time. Visiting one-on-one, even for a few minutes, to highlight what went well and wrapping up with a statement of appreciation can perk up anyone’s day.

Share Something Sweet

When the afternoon snack cravings hit, be the star of the office with a drawer full of snacks and words of recognition. If a department hit a sales goal, drop off a basket of granola bars, cookies, and doughnut holes for them to share.

Prepare Award Certificates

If you’re preparing for a routine meeting but have big news related to an office accomplishment to share, prepare recognition certificates and turn the announcement into a ceremony. Framed certificates can later be displayed on office walls for visitors to admire!

Are you ready to be on your A-game when it comes to creative, on-the-spot employee recognition ideas? Stock up on paper certificates, lapel pins and mini trophies at PaperDirect.

If your annual employee reviews set off a collective moan throughout the workplace, it may be time for a change. While you don’t have to overhaul the entire review process, you can make a few strategic tweaks that’ll leave employees grinning instead of grimacing when it’s time for their yearly evaluation.

Look Forward, Not Just Back

Instead of simply rehashing the good and bad aspects of an employee’s performance over the past 12 months, make sure your reviews provide guidelines for moving forward. Whether it’s working on weak areas, taking on more responsibilities, or amending job duties, ensure employees know precisely what’s expected of their performance over the next 12 months.

Include Feedback from Variety of Sources

You may be the manager with the employee directly under your charge, but that doesn’t mean other people throughout the workplace aren’t affected by the employee’s performance. Collect feedback from other managers, the employee’s peers, and even vendors or clients if applicable. An employee’s job performance can impact many people besides the manager, and it’s helpful to look at input from multiple sources to get a more well-rounded view of their work.

Make Sure It’s a Conversation, Not a Lecture

If your annual employee reviews are more like annual employee lecture sessions, the chances are low that the information will stick. When employees feel like they’re being scolded or reprimanded, they’re likely to feel deflated or even resentful.

Transform the lecture into a conversation by asking for employee feedback – and then actually listening to what they have to say. Employee feedback needs to go beyond excuses for poor performance, but should instead include their thoughts, ideas, and feelings on what’s being discussed.

Praise for Positive Performance

Keep a running tally of times an employee excelled throughout the year and mention them during the review process. A review riddled with only negative feedback can cause resentment. Make sure to balance out negative and positive aspects of an employee’s performance, praising where praise is due.

Reward for Positive Performance

Reinforce positive performance even more by rewarding employees for a job well done. While not every organization may be able to reward employees with regular raises or monetary bonuses, you do have other options.

Recognition certificates and trophies can be a fun way to acknowledge exceptional behavior. You may also consider things like a bonus day off with pay, a catered lunch for the office held in the employees’ honor, or other forms of recognition that fit within the company budget.

Not only can these ideas help ensure your annual employee reviews are more dynamic and intriguing, but they can make them more effective. Check out PaperDirect for enticing recognition items to use during your review.