Employee People Award Recognition Programs Recognizing Unsung Hero

Companies often try to improve employee "morale" (the way a group of people feel) and "motivate" (encourage someone to do something) them by having employee recognition programs for employees who are doing their job very well.

Many companies recognize an "employee of the month," meaning that each month they choose to "honor" (recognize) a different employee for his or her contributions to the company. For example, many fast food restaurants have "plaques" (pieces of wood with small pieces of "engraved" (with text written on metal or glass) names) where people can read the names and possibly see photographs of the people who have won the award in the past.

Sometimes employee recognition programs have special "ceremonies" (official parties) where employees are honored in front of their "peers" (colleagues; co-workers). These employees might receive a "trophy" (a large metal cup or small statue) with an engraving of their name and the name of the award. They might also receive a "monetary" (with money) award or other honors. Sometimes the award winners are allowed to use the president's parking spot, which is usually closest to the building, for a certain number of weeks. Other award winners might be invited to have lunch with "top management" (the CFO, COO, and other high-level employees).

In general, employee recognition programs seem to improve employee morale, but they can "backfire" (do the opposite of what something is supposed to do). This can happen if the employees believe the selection process is unfair. For example, if a company gives awards to the people who are friends with the owner, but not necessarily who are the best workers, it can be "demoralizing" (making someone not want to do something well) for the other workers.