We’ve recently been awarded the prestigious Circle of Excellence Award from Incentive Marketing Association (IMA). I’m very proud of my team as well as my client for creating such a powerful recognition tool.
Just as a little background, the IMA Circle of Excellence Award recognizes those companies whose incentive and recognition programs most successfully motivate their employees or customers. Our client, Scottrade earned the top award for the Best Employee Recognition entry, Above & Beyond.
Scottrade wanted to maintain their “family like” culture. They wanted a recognition program to make Associates feel respected and appreciated by their peers and by management. The Above & Beyond program was created and designed to give associates at all levels the power to recognize their fellow counterparts via an online recognition platform. The process was simple and the results are astonishing.
Scottrade’s focus is doing what’s right and providing exceptional customer service. Perhaps that’s why they’re rated by Fortune magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2009 . They have a great culture.
You might ask yourself, what is the “culture” of your company? If you feel like your company needs a better culture, especially if you’ve had a lot of recent changes due to the economy, try recognizing the BEHAVIORS and ACTIVITIES you want. Make sure you recognize the things that support your core values and help you deliver your company strategies – i.e., increase market growth, innovation, or customer satisfaction. Did you know companies with a culture that is aligned to their business goals routinely outperform their competitors? Some studies report the difference at 200% or more.
In addition to driving business results, recognition and incentive programs grow employee culture – encouraging loyalty, engagement, and enthusiasm for the job. Undoubtedly, a recognition program is the most effective way in creating your company’s culture. In turn, you’re going to create a positive, fun atmosphere with engaged and empowered employees!
Does your existing recognition program reinforce your company culture? What do think should be done differently?
