11 Ways to Recognize Staff and Volunteers

by Lynn McShane
Volunteer coordinator in the nonprofit who has developed innovative ways to recognize volunteers and staff on a limited budget

Everyone likes to be recognized for a job well done. Whether you’re a paid staffer or a volunteer, it’s important to be acknowledged and appreciated for the effort you put into any task. As a business owner, manager, or coworker, taking the time to recognize those around you will ensure productivity and increase loyalty. But how do you go about it?

The longer article, Keep the Ones Who Keep You Going: Recognizing Staff and Volunteers, shows you how easy it is to create a recognition program for your organization. But the key element I advise is that recognition should be specific and geared to the individual. So it’s very important to really understand what motivates each person and what type of recognition is most appreciated. Some are delighted by a formal award at a fancy event; others will cringe at the thought of any big fuss made over them and would prefer a handwritten note or card.

In random order, here are eleven ideas to recognize those who keep you going:

• Make a donation to a charity of choice.
• Send a sincere, handwritten note or card.
• Do lunch; food always works, and the chance to sit and chat on-one-one is appreciated.
• Treat the entire team to coffee.
• Nominate someone for an in-house recognition award.
• Offer gift certificates or coupons to a favorite coffee shop or tea house.
• Write a feature article in your company’s newsletter or on your Web site.
• Plan a social afternoon or evening -- bowling, skating, movies -- for your team.
• Promote a capable individual to act as team or project leader.
• Place a letter of commendation in a personnel file.
• Sponsor the sports team of staff members (their own or that of their children).

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Remember, recognition should come from the heart and express genuine thanks. It doesn’t have to cost much for the benefits to be immeasurable.

Give it a try; I guarantee it’s worth it!

To learn more, read Keep the Ones Who Keep You Going: Recognizing Staff and Volunteers.