RECOGNITION PROGRAMMES
IDS publishes new guide to recognition schemes
Recognition awards are now widely used by UK organisations as a way of acknowledging the special efforts and commitment of valued employees. For those of you contemplating the introduction of a new scheme or if you are looking to refresh an existing one, Incomes Data Services has published a fascinating report examining the operation of non-cash incentives in a range of UK operations.
One of the key attractions of a recognition scheme, according to IDS, is its cost efficiency. "An awards scheme can generate much goodwill for a relatively modest outlay. A key benefit of a recognition programme is that it enables an employer to highlight desired actions and behaviours, holding up as role models those employees who best epitomise them."
Different shapes and sizes
Recognition programmes can run the gamut from the simple and spontaneous "thank you" through to those on a more formal footing and incorporate timetables for nomination and selection. This might, for example, entail choosing an employee of the month and culminate in a major award ceremony where the employee of the year is announced.
"Whatever the approach," says IDS, "the principle remains that recognising employees who do that little bit extra is inherently a good thing - after all, everyone likes to be appreciated."
| What you will find in this IDS report |
| The 60-page IDS StudyPlus contains the following sections: |
| Overview A one-page summary of the principles and benefits of recognition. |
| Analysis Across nine pages IDS examines the aims of recognition schemes and the ways in which companies introduce and promote them, as well as the practicalities of running a scheme: l scheme objectives l launching a scheme l the nomination process l different levels of recognition l types and value of awards l tax and national insurance l judging panels l presentation ceremonies l dealing with the administration l communications. |
| Case studies Eight detailed case studies of recognition programmes in action: l Orange l Virgin Trains l Brent Council l Westbury Homes l Sony Broadcast and Professional Europe l Leeds & Holbeck l English Lakes Hotels l Prudential. |
| Directory of suppliers When introducing a formal recognition scheme, employers often turn to an external supplier to help with award fulfilment. To help you choose a supplier of non-cash incentives, IDS offers: l a checklist of key issues when selecting a supplier l details of the award products and support services offered by 34 providers of non-cash incentives, encompassing the various award media, such as vouchers, merchandise, adventure activities and travel. It also indicates the extent to which suppliers can support employers with scheme administration. |
A final word
"A successful scheme can help to motivate staff, create a culture of customer service and raise performance company-wide. Increasingly, employees qualify for awards when their actions are seen to embody company values or focus attention on wider corporate goals." - Incomes Data Services.
Want to know more?
Title: "Employee recognition schemes", IDS StudyPlus Autumn 2002.
Availability: Contact customer services at Incomes Data Services in London, tel: 020 7324 2599, or email sales@incomesdata.co.uk.
Examples of recent issues of IDS Studies can be found at www.incomesdata.co.uk/studies/studies.htm.
Incomes Data Services is an independent research organisation providing information and analysis on pay and conditions, pensions, employment law and personnel policy and practice in the UK and the rest of Europe. For more information about IDS, jump to www.incomesdata.co.uk
Posted 3 March 2003