At-Work Exercise Programs Need Not be Complex

It’s no secret – people want to know that their employers really do care about their well being.  One effective way, with countless benefits to both employer and employee, is to institute an exercise program.  Whether you’re a small office of 20 or a large corporation employing thousands, [...]]]>

At-Work Exercise Programs Need Not be Complex

It’s no secret – people want to know that their employers really do care about their well being.  One effective way, with countless benefits to both employer and employee, is to institute an exercise program.  Whether you’re a small office of 20 or a large corporation employing thousands, giving your employees an opportunity to benefit from some much-needed exercise can go a long way to having happier, healthier workers.

Many larger corporations (even some smaller ones) have found that by providing an exercise room for employees to use freely, whether during breaks or before and after work hours, their health care costs go down and productivity goes up.  But you need not heat up the office credit card to build a state-of-the-art gym.  Sometimes the simple approach is the most effective.  Consider implementing stretching exercise breaks throughout the workday.

For just a few minutes once or twice daily, encourage everyone to stand up and go through simple stretching exercises.  If you’re able to do them as a group, all the better – especially in factory and office situations where employees may be required to sit down for most of their workday.  Companies who consider stretching breaks as a necessary part of the day most often report that their workers enjoy and appreciate the opportunity, and productivity increases after even just a 3 – 5 minute break.  Health care costs also decrease, since simple stretching exercises have a way of reducing work-related injury.  You may even discover that your employees enjoy the exercises so much that they participate in other physical activities even after the workday is done.

More than likely you already have an exercise expert right in your building.  The proper exercise program can be as simple as asking the marathon runner in accounting or the yoga practitioner on the factory floor to spearhead the project. If there’s no one available where you work, consider consulting with a local gym or YMCA.  Tell them what type of exercises you’d like to use, and ask them to help you set up the right stretches for your work environment.

You may also want to add some before- or after-work activities, such as bringing in a yoga or tai chi instructor.  Ask your employees for input as to which they might prefer, then call some local martial arts and yoga schools in the area to see if they have an instructor or advanced student who would be able to come in once or twice a week – even every day  - to lead a class.  

Whether you go all out with an office gym and an early morning yoga class, or if you simply opt for two 3-minute stretching breaks, you’ll quickly notice all the benefits of exercise programs at work.  Everyone will feel more energized and healthy, and there’s no doubt your employees will recognize that their company really does care about their well being.  That may be the biggest benefit of them all.

Every Employee Wants to be Appreciated

Whether you sense it or you’ve been told outright, having an employee that doesn’t feel appreciated can make for a difficult situation to deal with.  Employees who feel they aren’t valued probably don’t perform at their very best, and you may be missing the level of professionalism you’ve come [...]]]>

Every Employee Wants to be Appreciated

Whether you sense it or you’ve been told outright, having an employee that doesn’t feel appreciated can make for a difficult situation to deal with.  Employees who feel they aren’t valued probably don’t perform at their very best, and you may be missing the level of professionalism you’ve come to expect from him or her.  So how do you correct the situation?

The first thing you should do is to examine whether or not you really do appreciate the employee.  Perhaps you’ve taken their performance for granted, or maybe it’s simply a matter of not having shown appreciation, either through words or actions.  If after careful examination you simply can’t conceive of where the problem lies, it’s time for a talk with the employee.

No matter how valued an employee’s performance has been in the past, someone who doesn’t feel appreciated is bound to be a less satisfied worker.  So if after some introspection you find that your feelings towards your employee haven’t exactly been positive, it’s not too late to turn that around and bring out the best in him or her.  Yes it’s true, sometimes no manner of encouragement will bring forth a great performance, but it’s often quite surprising what will happen by making an extra effort.

On the other hand, you may have discovered that indeed this worthy employee has flown under the radar too long, and has not been given the proper kudos.  What do you do?  The best way to remedy the situation is to sit down privately with him or her and first sincerely apologize for the oversight.  Then ask what can be done in their eyes to reverse the negativity.  Do they want simple verbal acknowledgment?  Do they feel they were overlooked for a promotion, or are their skills being underused?  Listen openly, and if need be, tell them that you want a few days to fully absorb the suggestions they gave.  A followup meeting will be necessary in this case.   The important thing is to give room for the employee to express their views on the situation so you can better address it and make adjustments.  At that point you’ll be able to see where improvements can be made if possible.  

If you feel there’s simply been a misunderstanding – that in fact you did show the employee appreciation and they didn’t recognize it as such – find that magic middle ground and offer something else that makes you both comfortable.

When an employee doesn’t feel appreciated, you both lose.  The solution may be as simple as letting that employee know the are indeed valued and needed.  Other times bigger steps need to be taken; but in the end what you gain for your efforts is a happier, more dedicated employee.  And if strides are made to correct an unhealthy situation, your employee will have a deeper respect for both you and the company that worked so hard to show true appreciation.

Bronze Statues: Bronze artwork doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.  A decent piece, like [...]]]>

Tired of the same old trophies?  If you’re hoping to award your employees with style, there are some truly unique awards ideas out there that make for not only a fabulous presentation, but an original keepsake for the recipient.

Bronze Statues: Bronze artwork doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.  A decent piece, like this beautiful original called “Majestic Monarch” can be had in a reasonable 7″ size for around $50.  Various themes may be selected to match the award occasion, and most come with an engraved plaque for personalization.  

Art Glass:  Art glass pieces provide a stunning visual and a reminder of achievement that can be easily displayed in either home or office.  This piece, by Swedish company Kosta Boda, gives a perfect example of combining recognition with style.  Again, various designs offer a selection of themes to choose from.  Many of the pieces can even be sandblasted with a name and/or company logo to commemorate the event.

Framed Artwork:  A framed print or original painting can easily be chosen to represent the award through its theme.  The price points here are endless, spanning from about $35 for a small framed print to over $1,000 for an original artwork.  Some pieces can even be personalized on an engraved plaque on the matting, or within the print itself.  

No matter what the award – outstanding performance, going beyond the call, or years of service – the standard trophy is far from being the only choice.  Getting creative with your awards and offering something with great display potential heightens the excitement of receiving an award all the more.

If one of these unique awards ideas appeals to you, or if you  have one of your own you’d like to see become a reality, give us a call at 1/888-664-6449.  We’d love to help!

One guy's thanks is sometimes another guy's pain in the cranium...

Last week we asked people to tell us one thing an employer had done for them that made them feel truly appreciated.  This week we decided to flip the coin and ask the reverse:  What is the worst attempt an employer has ever made [...]]]>

One guy's thanks is sometimes another guy's pain in the cranium...

Last week we asked people to tell us one thing an employer had done for them that made them feel truly appreciated.  This week we decided to flip the coin and ask the reverse:  What is the worst attempt an employer has ever made to try and make you feel appreciated?  As one can imagine, the answers are anything but dull!  Instead they give us a good look at what to do – and what not to do – to show our employees they’re valued.  So read on.  And if you have a story of your own to share, be sure and leave us a comment.  

Beverly:  The worst attempt I remember was getting to select a service award for 20 years of service from a flyer sheet and when the award arrived my boss said, “Hey, that watch you ordered has been sitting on my desk for a couple days.  Why don’t you go grab it?”  Tear jerking, huh?

Jillian:  My boss approached my desk, and in a whisper asked if I would like to be second in command.  When she wasn’t there I would manage the employees and handle emergency situations. I knew this “promotion” wasn’t a paid position, but I felt honored to be chosen.  The first time I tried to politely exercise my power, I was rudely shut down by the employee and when I consulted with my boss about it, she said she would handle it.  She never did.  I realized later that no one was told of my new place in line; I guess she hadn’t wanted to insult the others by picking me to run things when she was gone. It still hurts to this day.

Bill:  I worked for the same company for just shy of 10 years when I quit on good terms.  In fact, I quit one week shy of my 10-year anniversary.  I’d already chosen my anniversary gift and it had been ordered.  It was a very nice watch and I was really looking forward to receiving it.  About a month after I left the company I called the HR department to see what had happened to my watch because it hadn’t arrived yet.  I was told that since I didn’t work the full 10 years, (7 days short of it, mind you!) the watch had been sent back.

Patty: What is the worst attempt? Wow, how do I choose?  I was “awarded” my pin after my first five years of service. Every five years employees get a gold colored plastic  pin. The center circle is a different color for each five years. This $2.50 pin is usually given to you late, up to a year for one employee, or when the supervisor is reminded it was your anniversary. At the staff meeting it’s just handed to you and they announce how long you have been working there. Some people clap. Then it’s your “duty” to wear the pin all day. As all staff do not attend the same meetings, it lets the rest of the office know you made it another five years. But the pin is so small most don’t notice it. Some employees collect them. Mine collects dust bunnies in the back of my bathroom drawer somewhere. And honestly, when my husband’s work found out that’s all I got, they felt horrible and gave me a watch as that’s what they do for their awesome employees. That’s sad!

Chuck:  I used to proofread telephone books, believe it or not.  Records were kept on each of us as to whether or not we missed any typos, etc.  When an error was found against us, it was marked down in red ink on our sheet.  If we made it a week with less than a certain amount of errors, we were allowed to choose a “prize” from a cardboard box of castaway items.  Included (I remember it well) were things like packs of sticky notes, pens with the company’s former name and logo on them, even half a pack of stationery one boss found in her desk.  It was almost embarrassing to whoever was “rewarded” with the chance to pick through the box.  We always felt like we should refuse, but we were all young and didn’t know how to handle it, I guess.

Perhaps after reading through these stories you’re feeling a big “Oops” thinking of something your company has done for its employees that perhaps wasn’t such a hot idea.  If that’s the case, don’t fret.  This is the golden opportunity to turn things around and show your employees appreciation a little differently.  When the opportunity arises to thank someone for a job well done, taking a moment to put yourself in the recipient’s shoes can help you see that things need changing; or perhaps the role reversal will verify that you’ve indeed found a great way to say thanks.

One need not emulate the Golden Globes to make the awards presentation entertaining.

It’s time to set aside some time, pull all the employees together, and present the latest awards. Sure, for the recipients, receiving the awards and the recognition is already exciting, but how do you make an awards presentation fun for everyone?  To [...]]]>

One need not emulate the Golden Globes to make the awards presentation entertaining.

It’s time to set aside some time, pull all the employees together, and present the latest awards. Sure, for the recipients, receiving the awards and the recognition is already exciting, but how do you make an awards presentation fun for everyone?  To avoid the glazed-over look of the rest of the group, here are a few ideas that will get them looking forward to receiving their recognition awards next time around.  And no, it doesn’t require a red carpet or awards shaped like a gilded planet.

Thanks for the Memories:  If the awards to be presented are related to years of service or a retirement, a few days before the presentation ask the employees to secretly write down a funny or positive memory of those to be honored.  Sort through them and read the best ones aloud before presenting the award. 

This Day in History:  Another great way to celebrate years of service or a retirement is to do a little research on the employee’s hire date and/or year.  What were the fads then?  Who was president?  Was The Cosby Show the most popular show on television, or Laugh In?  What was the price of bread, gas, milk, bellbottoms? And speaking of bellbottoms, a photo of the honored person “way back when” is sure to be a hit!

Keep the Speeches Short and Entertaining:  We’ve all seen them during Red Carpet events:  The actor gets up on stage and won’t stop thanking everyone, including the key grip, gaffer, manicurist, grade school teachers…  While you probably won’t have that problem from employees receiving an award (most would just assume thank you for the watch and return to their seat), remember to keep your own speeches compact.  Be sure to keep your words heartfelt and sincere without getting too lengthy so the entire audience stays plugged in and interested.

Feed the Masses:  One sure way to get everyone gathered around, and in a hurry, is to serve up some good fresh coffee, a cake, even a lunch.  You may want to save the awards ceremony for after the lunch has been served, however, or wait for everyone to have cake and coffee mug in hand.  Sure, they love their coworker and want to see them applauded for a job well done, but feeding the group first will assure all eyes are on the presentation and not that beautiful double layer chocolate cake back in the corner.

The most important thing in setting up awards presentations is to make sure it’s engaging and fun, and that not only the guest(s) of honor walk away feeling positive and fully appreciated, but the entire staff.  It doesn’t need to be over the top or expensive, but it should be meaningful.  The best part?  No glittery evening gowns required.