Employee awards, sometimes referred to as paper plate awards, are recognitions of contribution and hard work. They’re like high-fives in the workplace and a fun and creative way to say, "Hey, you're awesome!". These awards go beyond the serious stuff and make recognizing good work more enjoyable.
These awards go beyond the formalities. They offer a lighthearted and creative approach to recognizing the diverse talents of employees. Whether you're familiar with the concept or just beginning to explore its potential, here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
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Not only are disc awards a fun and unique way to recognize employee achievements, they are also cost-effective and stress-free. Why? Unlike traditional formal awards ceremonies, they are more accessible and intimate. When employees find recognition fun and enjoyable, they feel appreciated without the pressure of standards and quotas that come with receiving a formal award at a corporate awards ceremony.
Moreover, these awards are quick to deploy and easy to customize. They can be tailored to different departments, making them flexible for any workplace. Whether your team is fully remote, collaborative, or in-office, disc awards provide a fun atmosphere that builds camaraderie and strengthens team relationships.
It's important to take into consideration several different variables when giving paper plate awards. Awards should feel meaningful but personal.
Lack of clarity in award criteria can lead to confusion and frustration among winners and those who don't receive recognition. Defining the specific reasons for earning an award is crucial for its meaningfulness. Whether it's excelling at daily tasks or demonstrating outstanding teamwork, clearly identifying the behaviors deserving recognition is a good place to start. Here are some broad categories to consider:
As evident in the examples above, a fun factor should be sprinkled into awards! Balancing fun and meaning in employee awards creates a positive and enjoyable work environment. This can also be done through inside jokes or funny puns.
It’s important to keep inclusivity and sensitivity in mind. Be sure to steer clear of topics that may be offensive or inappropriate. Jokes or awards related to personal appearance, cultural background, or any sensitive personal information should be strictly avoided. By keeping inclusivity in mind, a workplace where employees feel valued can be fostered.
1. Employee of the Month 🏆
Recognizing someone for consistently delivering exceptional results and coming out on top for the month!
2. Idea Wizard 🚀
Recognizing someone who always has creative and cool ideas.
3. Best Leader 🏆
Saying a big "thank you" to the person who leads well.
4. Always on Time ⏰
Given to someone who always finishes their work on time.
5. Problem Solver 🕵️♂️
Recognizing someone excellent at finding solutions to problems.
6. Helpful Mentor 🌱
Celebrating someone good at helping and guiding others.
7. Wellness Warrior 💪🍏
Saying "thank you" to someone who promotes wellness in the workplace.
8. New Star 🌟🚀
Recognizing someone new but already doing a great job.
9. Inspiration Friend 💡🌟
Saying "thank you" to the person who always inspires the team.
10. Creative Star 🎨💡
Awarded to someone who always comes up with cool and creative ideas.
11. Details Master 🔍✨
Recognizing someone good at paying attention to small things.
12. Top Performer ⛰️🚀
Awarded to someone who always does their best and surpasses quotas.
13. Problem Fixer 🛠️
Recognizing someone good at fixing things.
14. Friendly Face 😊👋
Celebrating someone who's always friendly and welcoming.
15. Learn-it-All 📘🌟
Celebrating someone who loves learning new things.
16. Amazing Organizer 📆✨
Celebrating someone good at organizing events and get-togethers.
As workplaces implement these awards, remember that fostering a positive work environment is an ongoing journey. Adding a touch of creativity into recognition practices can contribute to a workplace culture that values every individual's unique qualities.
The presentation of the awards is as important as the awards themselves. Here are a few ways you can make the experience even more memorable:
If your workplace enjoys humor, you can get even more creative with your award titles. Here are a few funny examples to add to the list:
To keep the momentum going, try making paper plate awards a regular part of your workplace culture. Schedule quarterly or monthly recognition events where different departments can host their own paper plate awards. The key is to keep it fun and engaging—over time, this can evolve into something everyone looks forward to.
In addition to management-led recognition, consider encouraging peer-to-peer paper plate awards. Allow employees to nominate their colleagues for awards based on daily interactions. This not only increases participation but also helps reinforce a supportive and collaborative work culture.
If you want to take it a step further, consider pairing the paper plate award with small tokens of appreciation like:
Why stop at paper plate awards? Here are a few additional ways to make team celebrations extra memorable:
1) Handwritten Cards:
A simple, heartfelt handwritten note can be more meaningful than you think. Personalize each message to acknowledge their hard work or specific contributions.
2) Video Wishes from Colleagues:
Collect video messages from team members to compile into a fun birthday or work anniversary tribute.
3) Surprise Zoom Greetings:
If your team works remotely, kick off your next Zoom meeting with a surprise birthday or award celebration! It’s a fun way to break the ice and acknowledge someone’s efforts.
4) Customized Gifts:
Take it one step further with small personalized gifts, like a mug, a custom notebook, or a branded hoodie with the award recipient’s name or a fun inside joke on it.
5) Birthday Lunch or Treats:
Organize a surprise lunch or send them cupcakes to brighten their special day, even if you’re remote.
6) Workplace Shoutouts:
Consider dedicating a wall in the office or a digital space where employees can give each other shoutouts and appreciation messages.
Platform like Litespace allows employees to give each other “shout-outs” for their hard work and achievements
Try implementing paper plate awards in your workplace today!
Want a centralized platform to engage your team? We’re here to help you succeed.
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Sarah is a Marketing and Content Intern bringing a fresh perspective to Litespace. Keen to help companies build stronger corporate cultures in hybrid environments, she is leveraging her background in marketing and communications.
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