Our current series deals with promotional marketing programs your company could and should use this to its advantage. Today’s focus is internal; it deals with employees and how to reward them for exceptional performance.
It sounds like a cliché, but smart company owners and managers realize employees are their most important assets. They have a huge impact on the quality of the products and services you deliver to customers. Dedicated employees serve as excellent “brand ambassadors” in conveying a positive image of your company.
A Smart Way to Honor Commitment and Achievement
I have written about the studies that have shown that what employees want most, is appreciation. While compensation is certainly part of that, so is an acknowledgment by managers of their productivity and longevity. Companies use a variety of tactics, among the most popular are:
- Established programs that “automatically” trigger awards as an employee reaches pre-determined levels of productivity
- Periodic “one-time” awards that recognize unusual effort or exceptional results on a particular project
- Annual recognition meetings or ceremonies in which employees who have attained certain years-of-service levels are celebrated
As you can see, there are many opportunities with deciding “when” an award is appropriate. But if you want your company to benefit along with the employee, the “what” is especially important. That’s where personalized promotional products come in.
Recipients Welcome Promotional Products
Your employees, especially those whose performance you wish to reward, hold your company in high regard. It is not merely a job, but a place to which they devote a great deal of time, energy and effort. Thus an item bearing the identity of your brand or company is the ideal choice as an award for those employees.
In fact, a recent study referenced the fact that non-monetary incentives can motivate workers more effectively than financial ones in ways that encourage loyalty and build self-esteem. I would imagine that is equally true of employee award and recognition programs.
Something small and useful, such as an umbrella or desk accessory, should work well as a lower-level award for achieving a nominal sales or efficiency level. However, what if you need to honor a higher threshold of accomplishment, or recognize a special employee anniversary? There are literally thousands of creative and higher-value items from which to choose. A leather portfolio, handsome luggage, or an attractive custom embroidered jacket from a respected brand name such as Carhartt, North Face, and OGIO are just a few examples. Or let them choose their own item from a custom online company store for employees, where you can reward employees with ‘Company Cash’ that they can redeem for company branded apparel and more!
Recognize the Opportunity Promotional Products Provide
Employees who feel respected will help you grow your business and carry your company forward. We’ve learned that from experience, as Superior Business Solutions has been helping businesses become more efficient for nearly a century.
Our processes and business practices measure up to rather high standards. Our ISO certification is evidence of that. And feedback from our customers has earned us two (and counting) consecutive Best of Print and Digital awards.
Contact Superior with the link atop this page for a promotional product audit. We’ll help you assess your needs. And we’ll help you identify opportunities to use promotional marketing programs to build business and reinforce the commitment and loyalty shown by your key employees. Think of it as protecting your most valuable assets.
