How to Start an Employee of the Month Program

Keeping your employees motivated and engaged in today’s fast-paced work environment can be challenging. But recognizing and celebrating their hard work doesn’t have to be. If you’re aiming to build a culture of recognition, launching an employee of the month program is a great place to start! Employee of the month programs reward high performers, boost team spirit, and motivate others to step up their game.

Whether you envision a grand celebration with awards and ceremonies or a more subtle approach with thoughtful tokens of appreciation, the success of your program lies in how well it aligns with your company’s culture. With the right planning and preparation, you can create an employee of the month program that has a lasting impact and transforms your workplace into a more positive and inspiring place to be.

Here's how to start an employee of the month program that truly shines!

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What is an Employee of the Month Program?

An employee of the month program (EOM) is a company-wide initiative where an organization recognizes and rewards a standout employee for their exceptional contributions during a given month. EOM programs highlight an employee’s individual achievements and serve as a public acknowledgment of their hard work and dedication to their job. 

Employee of the month programs can boost employee morale and motivate others to go above and beyond. They also help create a positive work environment where employees feel valued and appreciated. 

The Benefits of an Employee of the Month Program

Implementing an employee of the month program can offer several key benefits that can significantly enhance the culture at your organization. 

• Boosts employee morale: A little appreciation goes a long way! Recognizing exceptional work fosters a sense of belonging and fuels a happy, motivated team.
• Reinforces company values: Rewarding behaviors that align with your company’s goals helps everyone live and breathe your core values.
• Increases motivation: Recognizing top performers inspires and incentivizes other employees to bring their A-game day in and day out. After all, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone. 
• Enhances productivity: Happy employees are productive employees. When employees feel appreciated, they're more likely to be engaged and productive in their roles.
• Encourages teamwork: Peer recognition builds a sense of camaraderie amongst colleagues and creates a supportive environment where everyone's contributions are celebrated.
• Reduces employee turnover: People want to stay where they're valued! Recognizing efforts can help keep your top talent from walking out the door.
• Encourages a positive company culture: Creating a culture of appreciation has a ripple effect of positivity throughout the company.
• Enhances professional development: Highlighting specific achievements and skills can help leaders and employees identify areas for professional growth and development.
• Builds a strong employer brand: A successful recognition program can help solidify a company's reputation as a great place to work. 

How to Start an Employee of the Month Program in 7 Easy Steps

1. Set Clear Objectives

Before you roll out the red carpet for your employee of the month program, you need to get crystal clear on its purpose and goals. 

Consider the following questions as you set clear objectives for your EOM program:

• What do you want to achieve with the program?
• How will it align with your company's unique values and culture?
• What specific behaviors or accomplishments do you want to recognize and reward?
• What does your staff appreciate most as a form of recognition?

You can start by writing down your top 2-3 objectives for the program and determine how you’ll measure success. This could include measuring key metrics like employee engagement, teamwork and collaboration, and employee turnover. 

2. Establish Criteria for Selection

Establishing fair, transparent, and measurable criteria for who is selected to be employee of the month helps set your program up for success. Everyone needs to know and understand what it takes to win. 

Here are a few things to consider:

• Focus on measurable achievements or behaviors that align with your organization's values and goals. Some examples include meeting targets or KPIs, demonstrating exceptional teamwork on a project, or exemplifying company values.
• Remain objective by ensuring that all employees, regardless of their role or department, have an equal opportunity to be recognized.

You can start establishing selection criteria by creating a list of potential eligibility requirements and sharing it with your leadership team for feedback.

3. Set Up a Nomination Process 

Both leaders and peers should have the opportunity to participate in the nomination process. This ensures a well-rounded assessment of an employee's performance and contributions. Peer nominations also allow team members to recognize and appreciate each other's efforts. 

To establish a nomination process, create a simple, easy-to-use process for submitting nominations. You could set up an online form, email, or suggestion box; or you could use employee feedback tools like Suggestion Ox or Connecteam to get started. Also be sure that all employees know how to participate and share their nominations. 

Here are some other fun ways to get everyone involved: 

• Set up an anonymous online voting system or a good old-fashioned suggestion box where people can nominate their coworkers.
• Hold a team meeting where everyone gets a chance to share their nominee and give them a shout-out explaining why they deserve the title.
• Host a “mock election” where nominees can campaign for the EOM title, highlight their achievements, and showcase their qualities.

4. Determine The Reward

Recognition and reward ideas are a great time to be creative! But when it comes to rewards, one size doesn't fit all. To make the program truly impactful, you can tailor the rewards to individual preferences and interests.  

A few reward ideas include:

• Gift cards to a favorite store or restaurant
• Professional development opportunities, such as workshops or online courses
• Personalized workspace upgrades, like ergonomic furniture or office gadgets
• Extra time off 
• Company swag with the employee's name on it

Whatever you choose, select a reward that aligns with your budget and be sure to plan how you will present it to the employee. You may even offer your employee of the month a choice between a few rewards to fit their personal preferences.

5. Announce and Promote the Program

It’s time to launch the program! Communicate your EOM program via a company-wide announcement that explains its purpose, how it works, and the benefits of participating. Use multiple communication channels like email, company intranet, and meetings to ensure everyone is informed.

Highlight the benefits of participating in the employee of the month to help garner excitement and motivation among your employees. For employees, EOM programs can: 

• Boost visibility within the company: Giving your employees a platform to highlight their accomplishments and demonstrate their talents may open doors for future opportunities.
• Be a fun morale booster: Being nominated or winning employee of the month shows that an employee’s leaders and colleagues notice and value their contributions. It's a powerful morale booster and a reminder that they are making a difference in their role.
• Lead to career development: Winning or even being nominated can enhance an employee’s professional reputation and contribute to their career development. It also demonstrates their commitment to excellence, which can lead to new projects, increased responsibilities, or even promotions down the line.

6. Communicate and Celebrate Success

Now that you’ve crowned your first employee of the month, it's time to let the confetti fly and spread the news to celebrate their success. The celebration isn't just about making them blush - it's crucial for your program's success and keeps the excitement brewing for months to come.

Here are a few ideas to get the party started:

• Announce the winner through various channels like email, team meetings, or your company's intranet.
• Share their story and accomplishments on your company's social media platforms in a social spotlight or in the internal newsletter. You may even consider making a fun hashtag to celebrate. 
• Host a celebration or recognition event and invite colleagues to express their congratulations and appreciation.

A well-executed communication and celebration strategy will help solidify the program's success and create a lasting positive impact on your company culture. Everyone wants to be part of a program with a positive buzz.

And don’t just stop after one month! Keep the momentum going by consistently celebrating the winners each month. This keeps the program front and center and reinforces its importance. 

7. Evaluate and Refine the Program

Like any initiative, it's crucial to regularly evaluate and refine your employee of the month program. Regular check-ins help you keep things running smoothly and ensure your program stays exciting and relevant. 

Periodically review the program’s alignment with your original goals and objectives. If during your planning you established metrics for measuring success, consider how you are tracking towards those goals. Also, consider gathering feedback from employees and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement. 

Consider things like:

• Having an open call for feedback, ideas, and suggestions.
• Implementing a software system to track progress and measure outcomes.
• Regularly surveying employees to align rewards with employee preferences to keep the program fresh and exciting.
• Monitoring response rates for nominations and surveys to determine level of excitement around the program.
• Voting on suggestions for process improvements that make it easier for managers and team members to recognize each other.

Employee of the Month Recognition Ideas

Once you've selected your employee of the month, it's important to recognize their achievement in a meaningful way. Here are a few creative ideas to make their recognition special and memorable.

• Personalized plaque or trophy: Award the employee of the month with a personalized plaque or trophy that they can display at their workspace or take home.
• Additional time off: Offer the EOM an extra day off or an extended lunch break as a reward. This recognition not only shows appreciation but also supports their wellbeing by giving them additional time to recharge.
• Gift cards: Give your EOM a gift card to a popular store or restaurant. This practical and appreciated gesture shows your gratitude and gives your EOM the freedom to treat themselves.

For more creative employee of the month recognition ideas, check out our post “17 Employee of the Month Ideas to Supercharge Employee Morale”.

Building a Happier, Healthier Workforce

Your employee of the month program can contribute to a supportive culture that produces happier, healthier employees. Building an EOM program in conjunction with wellness initiatives can lead to an even more engaged, productive, and healthy workforce.

Think about it: wellness programs show your team you genuinely care about their well-being. They can help reduce stress, boost morale, and create a workplace where everyone feels supported. When you mix that with the recognition and celebration of an EOM program, it's a recipe for a happier, healthier, and more engaged workforce.

If you want to learn more about how to implement a wellness program into your workforce, reach out to 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. 
• Is Your Industry Delivering on Employee Recognition? (September 13, 2022). Gallup. Retrieved May 31, 2023 from https://www.gallup.com/workplace/400907/industry-delivering-employee-recognition.aspx.