Selecting an Employee of the Month (4 steps)
With careful planning, an employee-of-the-month program can help to cultivate a positive and dedicated workplace environment. Employee recognition should be done fairly. It is incumbent on management to ensure that the processes for nominating, selecting, and rewarding standout workers are consistent and impartial.
1. Qualifying Employees
Eligibility criteria should sync with the goals of the program. If the aim is to reward committed employees and spark motivation companywide, then management, executives, and other top-level employees should probably be excluded. Similarly, many employee recognition programs rule out contractors, temporary workers, and recent hires.
While management may feel that they are best positioned to evaluate employee performance, many workplaces opt for employee nominations. This can feel fairer to workers, and it also can help to nurture a general sense of community.
2. Grade Overall Performance
How will nominated employees be evaluated? It’s simple if there’s one clear standout, but a large corporation might have several quality candidates in the running for employee of the month. Management should decide how performance metrics and popular support will factor into the final decision. This should be a consistent and transparent process.
4. Hold an Award Meeting
For maximum impact, the employee of the month should be celebrated in a public award meeting. Some workplaces choose to offer a gift, but at a minimum, they should provide a certificate or other tangible acknowledgment of excellence.
Consistency is key. Award ceremonies should not be sporadic, or otherwise seem like slapdash efforts. Employees may appreciate even small overtures if they are done with some forethought and care.