PostEmployee Recognition Systems for Small Businesses and Startups
As your business grows and thrives employee recognition becomes more important than ever and you as a leader must think of the ways you can create a positive and engaging employee experience.
Why is employee recognition important? – you may ask. There are three main reasons to answer this question. Employee recognition increases employee presence and engagement. It encourages high performance. And most and foremost, it helps you retain your valuable talent.
Now, you might be sitting there, scratching your head, wondering, "Why should I bother with all this employee recognition stuff?" The very obvious reason is keeping your team happy, motivated, and glued to your awesome company.
Employee recognition is also like a magnet for commitment and engagement. When your team feels seen and appreciated, it's not just a warm, fuzzy feeling for you and your employees — it's a game-changer. They start bringing their A-game to the office, not because they have to, but because they genuinely want to.
It's like having your own squad of workplace superheroes.
However, the real nugget is not just about saying, "Hey, great job!" every now and then. It's about creating an experience that makes your employees feel like they're part of something great, something life-changing. Recognition is the fuel that powers the engine of employee presence and engagement.
When it comes to performance, every business owner wants their team to excel. Believe it or not, recognition is the secret sauce (again, because it's that important) to unlocking top-notch performance. When you pat someone on the back for a job well done, it's not just a simple pat — it's a signal that they're nailing it. And when people know they're nailing it, they keep doing it, and then some. It's like a domino effect of awesomeness.
So, without further ado, let’s dig into reviewing the five most popular recognition systems and what they offer.
Gusto
It's 360 Recognition Platform is a single hub for all of employee recognition needs. Although small businesses can also choose plug-and-play modules, such as service awards, incentive programs, social recognition, Award Points, Employee Wellness program, etc. Awards can be shipped either straight to employees or to offices. Peer-to-peer recognition option is available. There is overall positive feedback about this planform from the HR Community.
Price: Very affordable and transparent (they post their pricing options on their website)
Technology:Easy level of user friendliness
Variety of Gift Options: Large selection of gift cards
Terryberry
It is a simple employee recognition platform that offers awards for such common work-related occasions, as years of service, instant top-down and peer-to-peer, on-boardings, milestones, etc. It is up to each company to decide on the frequency and value of gifts. They will start you with a free account and have you only pay for Team Members you would like to provide with budgets. The HR Community is very enthusiastic about this company and its value offering.
Price: On the pricey side
Technology:Easy level of user friendliness
Variety of Gift Options: Large; some name brands are available
Bonusly
It is an employee rewards and recognition platform that allows small businesses to streamline all types of rewards into a single system. Employees get an allowance to recognize their peers in a form of bonuses. Bonuses are then posted in a public feed so that everyone else can see those. The awards offered are gift cards from the most popular brands, as well as cash and charitable donations. Overall feedback from the HR Community is quite positive.
Price: Affordable. Bonus points – they posted their pricing options on their website, so their pricing model is transparent
Technology:Easy level of user friendliness
Variety of Gift Options: Large; and also available for viewing on their website before you subscribe
Snappy
Snappy offers employee gift campaigns for every work and personal occasion (such as new hires, anniversaries, birthdays, spot rewards, etc.). The platform can be integrated with various HRIS systems (ADP, BambooHR, TriNet, etc.). Depending on your budget, you set the price limit per occasion and employees can select a gift of their choice. Peer-to-peer recognition option is available. The general HR Community feedback is favorable.
Price: Affordable
Technology:Easy level of user friendliness
Variety of Gift Options: Large. Curated gift collections are available
Awards Network
It is an employee award platform that offers customized employee recognition solutions. The company offers three program options, two of which are suitable for small businesses and startups – one offers to award individuals for a single reason (such as anniversary, retirement, holiday, etc.) with a gift, while the other one awards points to individual s or departments for accomplishing goals via a point tracking system. Peer-to-peer recognition option is available. Each program also includes free shipping to the 48 contiguous U.S. states, a dedicated support team, email communication and other standard features.
Price: The company claims that they will work with any budget
Technology:Easy to medium level of user friendliness
Variety of Gift Options: Large
Employee recognition isn't just about the warm fuzzies and stellar performance; it's your golden ticket to talent retention. Your team is like a bunch of gems, and in today's job-hopping world, you need to keep those gems shining in your crown. When you make your people feel valued and appreciated, they're not looking for the next shiny thing. They're right where they want to be—with you.
No matter what employee recognition program you choose, the important thing is its successful implementation, which depends on the culture and consistency of recognition established within your company. Not sure if your company has the consistent culture of recognition? Start with figuring out of what should be recognized, it’s monetary value, and then give your employees the tools to administer recognition.
