17 Employee of the Month Ideas to Supercharge Employee Morale

Are you looking for a way to bolster employee morale and reward outstanding performance? Employee of the Month (EOM) programs are a classic route to these goals, and for good reason. They can be a great way to give kudos to employees who have gone above and beyond in their work, while also providing an incentive for others to strive for excellence. 

When done right, these initiatives can help create a company culture that rewards excellence and gratitude. They’re also fun! From one-off rewards to repeatable incentives, creating the incentives for this program is a great time to unleash your creativity. Here are 17 ideas to get the ball rolling!

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What is an Employee of the Month Program?

An employee of the month program is an employee recognition initiative where an organization honors a standout employee each month for their exceptional performance, contributions, or demonstration of company values. It is a fantastic way to kick-start a culture of recognition in your organization. This recognition not only boosts morale but also inspires others to step up their game at work. 

Key benefits of an employee of the month program include improved employee engagement, enhanced job satisfaction, and fostering a sense of healthy competition among team members, all of which contribute to a more positive and productive work environment. Whether you choose a grand ceremony or a simple gesture of appreciation, the key is consistency and alignment with your company’s values. With the right approach, this program can leave a lasting, positive impact on your team.

17 Employee of the Month Ideas

1. Gift Cards with a Personal Touch

Why not treat your EOM to a delightful gift card from their favorite restaurant, store, or online retailer? When you put thought into their preferences, you show how genuinely you value them as an individual. You could also consider gift cards to help them relax and unwind from a hard day's work, like a massage, a spa day, or a healthy dinner.

2. Social Media Fanfare

Roll out the virtual red carpet for your star employees by giving them a special shoutout on your company's social media platforms. This public recognition boosts their morale and showcases your organization's appreciation for its team members. For those who might not be on social media, consider sharing this message through email, Slack, LinkedIn, or whatever public online space your team uses.

3. Swanky Company Swag

Reward your superstar performer with exclusive company swag, like trendy branded clothing, accessories, or office supplies. This thoughtful gesture helps foster a sense of pride and belonging while promoting your organizational culture. Like a sports uniform, it can help get people into the team spirit. 

4. A Well-deserved Day Off

Another great recognition idea is offering your best employee a day off to relax, recharge, and pursue their interests. Rest is incredibly important for employee engagement, performance, and the prevention of workplace accidents. A meaningful reward like this demonstrates your commitment to work-life wellness and employee wellbeing.

5. VIP Parking Spot

If you want to make your EOM feel like a rockstar, you can reserve a prime parking spot just for them. This simple but effective perk shows that you value their time and effort. If they don't don't drive to work, consider subsidizing the transportation they take. For remote employees, you can give them a break from their home office with a rideshare gift card that will help them get around town.
 

6. Peer Recognition Power

You can boost camaraderie by encouraging peer recognition through a nomination system for the EOM. Peer recognition can foster a supportive work environment and strengthen team bonds. You can post these nominations in an online space or organize a small office celebration, complete with snacks, drinks, and music, to announce the winner each month. 

7. Shoutouts with a Bang

Another way to leverage public recognition is to spotlight your EOM during team meetings. Consider offering praise or feedback about their achievements and expressing heartfelt gratitude for their contributions. Or, if your team is asynchronous, you can share a personalized video message from the company's leadership.

8. Glitzy Awards Ceremony

Consider hosting a glamorous monthly awards ceremony, complete with a certificate, plaque, or trophy! You can create a customized award that reflects their unique skills and achievements. An awards ceremony event can create a sense of excitement and anticipation, and the material award serves as a keepsake and a tangible reminder of their success and your appreciation. 

9. Break Room Paradise

If you want to help motivate and re-energize your top performer, try transforming your break room into a relaxation haven. We're talking plush seating, delectable snacks, and TV and movie streaming options. Consider paying for a team lunch or a happy hour so the rest of the team can join the celebration too.

10. Snazzy Custom T-Shirt

Consider designing a one-of-a-kind t-shirt featuring the EOM's name, accomplishment, or a quirky design that represents their personality. This wearable keepsake is a creative and fun way to celebrate their success. Plus, they can show it off by wearing it to work!

11. Heartfelt Handwritten Thank You Notes

You can show appreciation with a sincere, handwritten thank-you note from the management team. Try not to use generic language or a template each time you write these notes. Using personal language with the recipient can go a long way in making them feel valued.

12. Inspiring Wall of Fame

If you have an eye for visual design, consider creating an awe-inspiring "Wall of Fame" in your office to showcase past and present employees of the month. This employee recognition is a visual reminder of their achievements and an ongoing source of motivation and pride for your team. 

13. Feature in Company Newsletter

You can also showcase your EOM in the company newsletter, sharing their story, accomplishments, and words of wisdom. This recognition helps create a sense of pride and connection within the organization and is especially beneficial for remote employees without a central office.

14. Professional Development Opportunities

Professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, or online courses can reward your staff members while helping them learn and grow. You can also offer mentorship programs and pair your EOM with a company leadership team mentor for a one-on-one session focused on career development and guidance.

15. Personalized Workspace Upgrade

If your budget allows for it, consider upgrading your EOM's workspace with new ergonomic furniture, office gadgets, or decorative items that reflect their personality. This thoughtful gesture demonstrates your appreciation for their hard work and enhances their daily work experience.

16. Charity Donation in Their Name

Consider making a charitable donation in the name of your employee of the month to a cause they're passionate about. This meaningful reward reflects your organization's values and supports the greater community and a cause your employee is passionate about.

17. Surprise Quarterly Celebration in honor of all EOMs

Imagine coming into the office, and bam! Balloons, confetti, streamers, and cake! Coordinating a monthly surprise celebration for each EOM recipient might be ambitious, so you could consider a collective surprise party for the quarter’s EOMs. This unexpected gesture can create an unforgettable experience and improve morale company-wide.

Common Mistakes with Employee of the Month Programs

Launching an employee of the month program can be incredibly rewarding, but there are some common mistakes to avoid to help ensure the program remains effective. Here are some tips you may want to consider as you implement an employee of the month program at your organization.

Lack of Clear Criteria

One major mistake is not setting clear criteria, which can lead to perceptions of favoritism and unfairness. In other words, make sure everyone knows what it takes to win.

How to Avoid: Be sure to clearly define the criteria for the employee of the month program, and communicate this criteria to all employees. Criteria might include metrics like meeting specific performance goals, demonstrating outstanding teamwork on a project, or maybe even measuring customer feedback through positive reviews or ratings. Also be sure to consistently apply this criteria the same way each month, or promptly communicate any changes.

Inconsistent Recognition

Consistency is also crucial, so be sure to stick to a regular schedule. Failing to recognize employees on a regular basis can diminish the credibility of the program and lead to disengagement. 

How to Avoid: Establish a consistent schedule for recognition, whether it’s monthly or quarterly, and stick to it. Regular recognition helps build trust and ensures that the program is taken seriously.

Making It a Popularity Contest

When the selection process is based on popularity rather than merit, it can cause resentment and reduce the program’s value. Remember, it’s not about popularity, it’s about contributions based on the criteria. 

How to Avoid: Ensure that your selection is based on objective, measurable criteria rather than subjective opinions. One way to help remain objective is to consider incorporating peer nominations and feedback, as well as leadership input to balance out the process.

Ignoring Diverse Contributions

Sometimes, the same type of achievements, such as sales performance, are repeatedly rewarded, ignoring other valuable contributions like innovation, collaboration, or customer service. If only certain departments or types of roles are eligible for the award, it can create a divide and discourage those who are never considered. Make sure all departments and roles have a shot at being recognized.

How to Avoid: Rotate the focus of the award each month or create different categories of recognition. This approach ensures that you are diversifying contributions across various roles.

Overemphasis on Material Rewards

Relying solely on tangible rewards, such as gifts or bonuses, can sometimes overshadow the importance of genuine appreciation.

How to Avoid: While rewards are important, ensure that they are coupled with sincere recognition of the employee’s efforts. Publicly acknowledging their achievements in team meetings or company communications can be just as valuable as physical rewards.

Giving Employees of the Month Bonus Wellness Benefits

Another way to reward your superstars is with bonus wellness benefits. These rewards perfectly align with fostering a culture of recognition and celebration that contributes to your organization’s holistic wellbeing.

These extra perks can fit right alongside your typical wellness program. They could include extra days off, additional gym or fitness class memberships, a massage package, or a meditation app subscription! These rewards also show that you value the importance of physical and mental wellbeing within your organization—a message that all employees can appreciate.

If you want to help bolster the wellbeing of your entire workforce, connect with a Wellbeing Specialist today!

References 

• APA Survey Finds Feeling Valued at Work Linked to Well-Being and Performance. (2012). American Psychological Association. Retrieved May 31, 2023 from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2012/03/well-being