Keeping Employees Cool in the Heat of the Summer

This time of year employees are itching to be outside so they can enjoy the weather with their friends and families.  More than likely you’ve had plenty of vacation requests. We all know that vacation is a vital piece of keeping a healthy employee and environment.  It's important to keep employees happy by granting those requests that are reasonable.  It's also important for a productive work place to have employees that know that they have a manager who is going to recognize their need for some time away to maintain a healthy balanced life.

Keep the work force and your clients happy by maintaining an organized system that allows your employees the ability to take advantage of getting away from the workplace without disrupting the actual workplace. At Herndon Recognition, we utilize a sign up calendar and submit vacation requests to management. The department manager then approves or suggests alternate dates to ensure there will be enough team members scheduled to attend to ongoing project details while the employee is on leave. This reduces stress for the company as well as the employee because it allows the employee to feel confident their immediate work is being attended to in their absence.

One of the best ways we communicate in the office environment while on vacation is to have the vacationing employee set up email auto responder and voicemail.  This communicates to clients and associates that the employee is away on vacation, listing dates and offering other team members to go to for urgent matters in their absence.

There’s no questioning that a rested, balanced worker is going to be more productive and contribute more than a disgruntled, over-worked employee. Create and maintain a system that will allow employees the much needed break from the workplace. Co-workers will be more likely to pick up the slack of the ongoing projects for their team members while away when they know they can be confident that they will be given the same support when they go on vacation. A well planned vacation can truly rejuvenate an employee.

For more information on how you can improve the workplace atmosphere, visit www.herndonrecognition.com.

A New Year Means a Fresh Start

2012 is finally here and while making your list of resolutions, be sure to add “improve my recognition program” to the list.  This is your time to make a fresh start with your employees.  Maybe you didn’t put enough time aside for recognition or maybe you just didn’t know the right ways to show your appreciation last year.  When it comes down to it, that was then and you can make the change now.

While you are making your list of resolutions, remember that your employees are making that same list.  Some resolutions are common with everyone, like to be healthier.  What’s nice about this resolution is that it can greatly benefit your business because healthy employees mean more efficient employees. In addition, showing that you care about their well-being will show that your gesture is coming from a genuine place.

Here are a few ideas to promote good health while providing your employees with the appreciation they deserve:

• Offer employees a health bonus. For example, reimburse employees for anything they buy or use to stay healthy up to $100.
• Invest in some free weights or other exercise equipment for the break room so that they have the option of burning off energy during a stressful day.
• Offer fitness center memberships.  Although this can be on the pricier side, sometimes fitness centers will give special deals to companies because they have the opportunity of getting multiple clients.
• Hold a “Health Day”.  Put aside a day dedicated to teaching employees the importance of staying healthy by inviting a health practitioner or masseuse to speak on what they can do at work to improve their health. Offering a free fifteen minute massage with it is also a great bonus!
• Upgrade your equipment.  Replace some of your old chairs or computer equipment for more ergonomic options.

Whatever way you choose to improve your program, your employees will appreciate you for it!  For more information on employee recognition, visit herndonrecognition.com.