- Honor the employee of the month with a half-day off with pay. Many employees squeeze in running errands or making phone calls during their lunch break or after work. An extra half-day provides employees with a chance to catch up on these necessary tasks without using up their free time. Other employees crave time to curl up with a good book or relax at the spa. Taking time off of work normally requires a reduction of income, making time off less desirable. Employees appreciate additional time off of work, especially when they don't have to worry about losing money.
- Companies that publish employee newsletters usually run articles about community affairs, senior management decisions, benefit changes or industry events. Include a column each month to honor the employee of the month. Share information about the employee, such as the employee's name, department, job title and years with the company. Add a few paragraphs describing why management chose this employee to be recognized.
- Few employees would argue against the chance to take a few minutes away from their work to enjoy a special dessert. Plan a monthly dessert meeting where employees gather to honor the employee of the month. Before the meeting, provide the employee of the month with several dessert choices and ask which his favorite is. Serve this dessert at the meeting. Present the employee of the month with the dessert, and enough to be shared, while talking about his accomplishments.
- If your company produces consumer products, present your employee of the month with a free product. If your company makes several products, give your employee a choice between several of them. This allows the employee to choose a product that will be more beneficial for her, and she will save money by not needing to purchase the product.