Fun and Unique Ideas for Paper Plate Awards

What is a paper plate award? Employee awards, often called paper plate awards, are cheerful acknowledgments of hard work. They’re a fun and creative way to say, "You're awesome!" In 2023, Nectar HR found that “77.9% of employees would be more productive if they were recognized more frequently”. Paper plate awards are the perfect start to employee recognition in the workplace. 

When brainstorming paper plate awards, it's crucial to consider various factors. The awards should strike a balance between being meaningful and personal. Ambiguity in award criteria can cause frustration for both recipients and those not recognized. Clearly defining the reasons behind receiving an award is essential for its significance. Whether excelling in daily tasks or displaying exceptional teamwork, specific behaviors is a key starting point.

Be sure to consider inclusivity and sensitivity as top priorities. Avoid discussing topics that might be offensive or inappropriate. Stay away from jokes or awards that touch on personal appearance, cultural background, or sensitive personal information. Prioritizing inclusivity contributes to cultivating a workplace where employees feel valued.

Why Do I Need Unique Ideas for Paper Plate Awards?

It's important to steer clear of generic choices when it comes to paper plate awards. This is to ensure that employees genuinely feel appreciated and valued. Using unique ideas adds a personal touch, making the recognition more memorable and meaningful. Avoiding generic awards allows you to acknowledge the specific contributions and talents of each individual. This in turn fosters a positive and inclusive work environment. Embracing creativity in awards sets a lighthearted tone and also reinforces the idea that every employee brings something special to the team. So, ditch the ordinary and explore the extraordinary when it comes to recognizing the exceptional efforts of colleagues!

Why Fun Employee Recognition Matters

Recognizing employees doesn’t always have to be a serious affair. Fun awards, like paper plate awards, can add a boost of energy and laughter to the workplace. When done right, these lighthearted moments celebrate individual wins and lift the whole team’s spirit. In fact, adding humor into your recognition efforts can leave a lasting impact on happiness and engagement. Research shows that engaged teams are often more productive and even 21% more profitable—so why not keep things fun while making your team feel appreciated?

Awards Suggestions to Spark Inspiration

While the following suggestions provide a starting point, the real magic lies in creating awards that resonate with the unique personalities and quirks of your actual team. Consider inside jokes, individual strengths, and specific contributions that make your workplace special. Think about inside jokes that only your team would understand! Turn them into awards that everyone can laugh about and cherish. 

The Jack-of-All-Trades Award 🛠️

• For that one employee who seems to be a master at coming up with strategies, executing tasks, and submitting assignments on time.

The Standing Ovation Award 👏

• For the employee who excels in every task they undertake, deserving a round of applause.

The Memo Magician Award 📝✨🎩

• For the employee who's always quick to take notes and magically has everything documented.

The Budget Whisperer Award 💹

• For the employee who consistently delivers accurate numbers and manages budgets with finesse.

The Stairmaster Award 🏃♂️

• For the employee committed to staying active by choosing the stairs over elevators.

The Gourmet Guru Award 🍜🌐📢

• For the employee with an extensive knowledge of cuisines, always ready with restaurant recommendations.

The Social Media Sorcerer Award 📱✨🧙♂️

• For the individual with a strong online presence, casting a spell on followers with engaging content.

The TikTok Dynamo Award 🕺🚀

• For the employee crafting entertaining content that captivates and goes viral on TikTok.

The Tidy Tycoon Award 🧹💼🏆

• For the employee dedicated to keeping their workspace organized and efficient

The Fashionista Award 👠

• For the employee consistently putting effort into their appearance, always dressed to impress

The Always Snacking Sweetheart Award 🍬❤️

• For the employee who is the go-to source for snacks, always ready to share.

The Social Butterfly Award 🦋🤝

• For the employee celebrated for exceptional interpersonal skills and for bringing people together.

The Motivation Maestro Award 🎤🌟👏

• For the employee who excels at giving pep talks, providing a motivational boost to the team.

The Hidden Hero Award 🕵️♂️🏆

• For the employee consistently outperforming peers with quiet dedication, making a lasting impact.

‍The Random Knowledge Reveler Award 🧠💡🎓

• For the employee surprising colleagues with an abundance of unexpected knowledge on various topics.

The Office Parent Award 🤗

• For individuals demonstrating exceptional care and support for their coworkers.

Creative Ways to Present Paper Plate Awards

How you give out these awards is just as important as the awards themselves. Here are some fun ways to make the moment extra special:

• Host a ceremony: Take a few minutes during a team meeting to hand out awards and celebrate the winners. Roll out the (virtual or real) red carpet!
• Get crafty: Customize paper plates with fun designs, stickers, or even add little 3D elements that match the award’s theme.
• Do a mini roast: Keep things light with a playful roast that’s all in good fun—make sure to keep it positive!
• Make it a team event: Let the whole team join in by nominating and voting for their peers. It’s a great way to bond and build team spirit.

Blending Fun with Formal Recognition

Paper plate awards are all about fun, but they can easily work alongside more formal recognition programs. Pair them with awards like "Employee of the Month" or "Top Performer" to make sure employees feel appreciated for both their hard work and their unique quirks. Mixing formal and fun recognitions keeps things balanced.

Building a Culture of Recognition Year-Round

The key to keeping employees motivated is consistent recognition, not just a one-time effort. Regular recognition, such as monthly paper plate awards, paired with meaningful feedback, keeps morale high throughout the year. 

A platform like Litespace makes it even easier with features like "Shout-out" a simple yet impactful way to acknowledge your team’s contributions in real time. Regular shout-outs foster a positive work culture, reminding employees they’re valued all year long.

Key Takeaways

• Steer clear of generic paper plate awards to ensure genuine employee appreciation and value.
• Consider inside jokes, individual strengths, and specific contributions that make your workplace special.
• Creative awards set a lighthearted tone and reinforce the idea that each employee brings something special to the team.
• Encourage exploring extraordinary recognition efforts to celebrate the exceptional contributions of colleagues.

Adding fun and creativity to how you recognize employees—like using paper plate awards—brings positivity into the workplace. It’s not just about the work employees do, but also about celebrating who they are. Personalizing these awards and adding a little humor creates a sense of belonging and fosters a work environment that’s supportive, engaging, and fun for everyone.

Want Help Creating an Engaging Work Culture?

At Litespace, we specialize in helping companies create fun, motivating workplaces. Whether you’re looking to spice up your recognition programs or plan exciting team-building activities, we’re here to help! Contact us today to find out how we can help you build a happier, more engaged team.