Corporate Gift Giving & The Holiday Bottom Line

Every year around this time at Royal Recognition, sales of promotional items and corporate gifts pick up into full swing. We couldn’t have said it better than Sarah Rohlfing in this Incentives magazine article:

Companies interested in gifting high-value items from top name brands, while keeping an eye on the bottom line, should look to incentive companies. Their factory-direct relationships with leading brands allow corporations to purchase in-demand items at the most competitive prices.

The holiday rush is on–make a point to stay organized, keep up on the latest trends, and make a statement with whatever corporate gifts you’re thinking of giving this winter.

Motivation, not Money

A recent article published by WorldatWork proves once again that nonfinancial benefits are the best type of motivators for employees. Even in this turbulent economic climate, when workers were asked “Are you considering leaving your job in the next few months?” several markets saw an increase of more than 10 percent!

Which begs the question, what are these magical motivators if money does not drive the workforce? As a manager you may not be able to offer them the ideal work-life balance, type of work or perfect co-workers, but there are little things that pay big. Consider these unique options:

• If your office listens to the same radio station all day, call in and give them a shout out. It’ll put a smile on their faces and let them know they’re appreciated.
• Take a little time out of your day to listen to your employees concerns outside of the office in a non-threatening atmosphere.
• Be the receptionist or mail sorter for the day. Every employee contributes to your company being a well oiled machine. Or better yet, have the CEO do it.
• Make sure your company’s goals are in line with the employee’s by making a fun chart that features rewards when you reach each mini-goal. It’s great team building and you’ll obtain your goal faster.
• Start up a peer-to-peer recognition program, allowing a few of the most deserving employees to pick a gift for doing something truly great.
• Run a “5-minute stretch” session on particularly stressful days and run around the building. Time to re-energize!

Respect is the #1 key in retaining happy employees. Have any other unconventional ways of showing respect? Let us know in the comments below.

Congratulations to our Winner!

 

 

 

A big congratulations goes out to our door prize winner from the Wisconsin SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). Sharon Waterson of Delta Dental stopped by our booth at the show and won herself a Sony digital picture frame!

Remember to stop by next year and this could be you! Look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

HR & Halloween Office Parties

Don’t ignore the fact that Halloween is the 2nd largest holiday in the United States–embrace it. By planning a celebration, you can help reduce stress, build teams and shape a positive company culture. In a Society for Human Resource Management’s 2000 Benefits Survey, nearly 1/3 of employers reported having Halloween celebrations!

Hop on over to Women of HR and check out guest contributor Erin Palmer’s tips on how to handle Halloween parties in the office.

And if you find yourself in a “sticky” situation, read Joni Lucas’s article titled “Halloween Parties: A Tricky Treat” for more in-depth information.

Employee appreciation comes in many different shapes. In addition to your service award programs, always remember to Inspire. Reward. Celebrate.®

2011 Minnesota State SHRM Conference

Royal Recognition is excited to be exhibiting again at the MN SHRM Conference

Dates: October 3rd-4th

Location: St. Cloud Civic Center

Booth To be announced – Check back often for updates!

Stop by and say HI to our friendly sales staff of Dan & Fred! Also stop by and enter our drawing – Leave a comment on this post for early registration to the drawing.

Make sure to also swing by the booth to be a part of the unveiling of our new recognition platform! We are re-defining recognition in the workplace!

We look forward to seeing everyone again this year!