Seeking Creative Ideas for Naming and Rewarding Our Best Performer of the Month

Hi All,

I am working as an HR Executive in an American-based company, and we are planning to introduce the best performer of the month activity. I have been asked to come up with a name for this activity as well as decide on the prize to be awarded along with a certificate. I would appreciate it if you could help suggest some suitable names for this recognition program and also recommend prizes or gifts that we can distribute to the best performer.

Seniors, your guidance and advice on this matter would be highly valued.

Regards,
Manjeet Kaur

Hi Manji,

We use this at the company I work with, and we call it "the Company Name Beside Star of the Month." The prize we give is a thank-you certificate, and we feature the recipient's picture on the cover page of the company magazine alongside a summary of their achievements. It would be even more perfect to award them a monetary prize based on the increase in income, decrease in costs, or time savings they have contributed to in the company.

It's amazing, Manji!

Hi Manji,

It is a very good system to motivate the employees. This kind of reward (money or gift) can boost the employees' morale and work performance. They will be happy and sure they can concentrate on more production. Kindly implement the system immediately.

MANOKAVIN

Hi Hazem and Manokavin,

Thank you both so much for your valuable suggestions. As it is an American-based company, my boss is looking for a unique name, something out of the box. I suggested a few names, but he wants me to come up with more options. Some of my suggestions were "Shooting Star of the Month," "Star of the Month," and "Top Gun of the Month." Please advise if you have any good name ideas to share.

Thanks,
Manjeet

Hi,

You can use names like:

1. "Mr./Ms. [Your Company Name]"
2. Manjeet "THE ROCKER" Kaur (for the whole month he/she can use this name for all purposes).

Regards,
Santosh

Hey, you can call him the "Rock star of the month." I think the appreciation certificate along with a small gift (like deodorant, a box of chocolates, etc.) will be the best option.

Hi Manjeet,

We have the same kind of activity conducted every quarter for all departments. From each department, there will be a performer, and we name him after his department, such as Best Recruiter, Best Sales Executive, Best Operations Executive. The performer will receive a memento, certificate, and cash prize to make it a memorable addition to his showcase. The best department will be awarded the rolling shield.

Hi Manjeet,

I will share with you the details of what I have implemented in my organization:

We have monthly, quarterly, and yearly Appreciation awards. For the monthly appreciation award, various evaluation criteria (qualitative and quantitative) are taken into consideration, and whoever receives the maximum points out of a hundred is awarded as the Best Staff of the month. The recipient is given a certificate and a cash award.

For the quarterly award function, the total points for the three months are added, and the top three employees are awarded with a certificate, a metal shield, and a cash award.

For the Yearly award (conducted at the national level in my organization), the annual points gained by each employee are accumulated, and the top three are selected. They are awarded with a trophy, a certificate, and a cash award.

Regards

Hi Manji,

You can also name the prize as "Rising Star of the Month" accompanied by a certificate and a small prize. Also, you can announce that the winner(s) will have an opportunity to dine with their respective department's head.

Hi Manjeet,

Maybe not sure about the name... but you keep a system of points. I mean if you could measure the employees' performance and then give them credit points, then you could give them a handsome gift or amount (whatever your company is willing to give) on reaching, say, 50 points or 100 points. Try to keep the points achievable and the duration to achieve these points minimal. This way, you will be able to create healthy competition.

Regards,
Anu_HR

Hi Manji,

You can also name it as "Shining Employee" or by adding the employee's name along with it. When giving an appreciation award, you can provide a coffee mug with the employee's name quoted along with an appreciation message or "Best Employee of the Month," and consider giving a cash award depending upon the company's budget.

Regards,
Kalpana

Hi Manzi,

You can set up the standards for performance and mark the levels as Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. The platinum level will represent the top performer. I recommend communicating the standards to employees for each level. You can also award the performer a 'Badge' for their particular level or something easily visible. Consider offering a gift that reflects the level achieved, or mentioning the names in your company journal, such as "Mr. X is a Platinum Performer," etc.

I hope you find this suggestion useful.

Regards,
Narayani

The certificate always motivates the employee, and he can use it in his future companies, which will be very helpful for his career. Giving them a gift voucher will make them feel proud compared to giving cash.

Dear Manjeet,

It may be "STAR Employee Of The Month/Quarter."

And the gift may be - a Cup Set, Wind Chimes, or some showpieces.

You can also give gift cards to your employees. This card can be used by your employee to purchase whatever he/she likes. That might be a perfect gift for your employees. This can also be used to provide incentives. Many banks are providing this gift card, such as IDBI Bank and ICICI Bank.

One of the best ways to motivate individuals is by rewarding them. Consider giving them lunch coupons for a nice meal together as a couple. You could also provide movie tickets for them to enjoy some entertainment. These gestures can show appreciation and boost morale within the team.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on motivating strategies.

According to me, gift vouchers or restaurant coupons can be given to the winner. Alternatively, a dinner can be arranged for the best performer and their family along with the Managing Director (or top personnel of the organization). You can name this recognition as HERO of the month. This name is very appealing and understandable at every level.