Employee Thank You Gifts – Learning from U.C. Berkeley

To appreciate and embrace diversity in its workforce, U.C. Berkeley’s Facilities Services Department instituted a formal employee recognition and thank you gift-giving program, resulting in measurable improvements.

On-the-Spot Employee Thank You Gifts

Like many businesses, managing and embracing diversity is becoming increasingly important as minority populations continue to grow in the U.S.  That’s one reason UC Berkeley’s Facilities Department wants to embrace diversity in it’s workforce. To help the department do so, its members developed an Employee Recognition Program that allows Supervisors and Managers to thank employees with on-the-spot Gift Certificate awards in varying amounts.
Supervisors are empowered to give instant recognition at the $25 level, and amounts above that level are available to give but require the Vice Chancellor’s approval. The department also acknowledges award recipients in its monthly newsletter.
Employees identified the need for a reward and recognition program, and confirmed they’d value Gift Certificates of gratitude.
Top Management supported implementing the program and provided funding—both of which UC Berkeley’s Human Resources Department emphasizes are essential for a successful employee giving program. Facilities services generates a quarterly report to measure program results and keep management apprised.

Tangible improvements

The program gives Supervisors an engagement tool to acknowledge exceptional work-related accomplishments on the spot. U.C. Berkley reports tangible improvements to the department as a result of adopting the employee giving program include:

• Improved communication and employee morale
• Increased employee motivation to improve performance
• More harmonious work environment and culture

The program meets the needs of a diverse workforce, since employees identified the need, developed the process and have ongoing input. In fact, Managers and Supervisors believe the giving program is so successful and is worth replicating because management listens to staff-identified needs, includes staff in the decision-making process, and provides opportunities to give feedback.
What do you believe are the keys to a successful workplace giving program? What results have you seen?
About gThankYou, LLC

Turkey Gift Certificates and Turkey Or Ham Gift Certificates by gThankYou! are two of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand (Turkey or Turkey Or Ham), at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.
gThankYou, LLC provides company leaders with a variety of easy, meaningful and affordable ways to recognize and reward employees, holiday time or anytime.  gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude and free Enclosure Cards are personalizable including incorporating your company logo, and ship same day.
gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin.  Contact:  Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658.
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