Awards are certainly perfect for letting the recipient know that you appreciate their efforts, but don't forget that if you're going to spend money on an award, that it must benefit your company. Incentive programs are often implemented to boost employee morale and increase productivity, but few realize that awards also promote the organization that gives it. Because an award will bear your company's name, it is indeed a promotional product. So, treat it as such, and choose awards like you'd choose promo items.

Just like traditional business card magnets are not the best choice for everyone, commonly used chunky vases and wall plaques are not for everyone. Bigger is not always better either. Do you think your sales staff has space in their cubicles for an oversize trophy? If the recipients aren't likely to have a display case, awards sized to fit on a desk may be more appropriate choices. Instead of spending extra money on size, spend it on design and quality. A benefit of smaller awards is that they are easier to display and less likely to get shoved into a corner or closet.

Because an award is often reserved for employees, organizations don't think of it as a promotional item. When an award is seen by clients in the office or by guests in the home, however, that award becomes a marketing tool. Make sure that the style reflects your organization's personality. Wood plaques and crystal may be great for conservative law and accounting firms, but if your company sales innovative ideas, those awards just won't be a true reflection of your business. For an engineering firm, a sleek black and silver plaque will convey innovation. When an organization, like an ad agency, prides itself on colorful creations, an art glass piece is appropriate.

Awards, however, don't have to be wall dcor and accent pieces. Utilitarian awards are a popular choice for the pragmatist. Decorate your star sales people with die struck lapel pins that will attain as much mileage as the recipients do. Personalized gifts will get exposure in the home. Clocks, picture frames, and crystal barware are all classy choices that do more than collect dust. Or for an option that stays in the office, consider a Waterman pen or rosewood desk box.

Focus on the receiver AND on you, the giver, and you'll be sure to increase the utility of your awards. To uncover the most appropriate awards, rely on your promotional product consultant to present you with plenty of options.

Learn more about this author, Jamie Capan.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Best ways to reward employees?
We want to hear your view. Write now!