10 Creative Employee of the Week Ideas That Make a Real Impact

Did you know that companies with regular employee recognition programs have a 31% lower turnover rate? Recognition isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a crucial part of keeping your team engaged and motivated.

An Employee of the Week program takes this a step further by celebrating individual contributions regularly, giving team members something to look forward to. By shining a spotlight on one employee each week, you’re not only boosting that person’s morale but also creating a ripple effect that inspires the rest of the team.

When done right, this simple initiative can transform the workplace, making it more positive, productive, and engaging for everyone.

Benefits of Employee of the Week programs

An Employee of the Week program does more than just recognize one standout team member—it boosts the overall atmosphere in your workplace. Here are some key benefits:

• Promotes a positive company culture: Regular recognition helps create a culture where employees feel valued, which translates to higher job satisfaction and a more positive work environment.
• Boosts employee motivation: Knowing that hard work might earn them the Employee of the Week title can push employees to go the extra mile. This motivation leads to increased productivity and a sense of purpose.
• Encourages healthy competition: A little friendly competition never hurts! An Employee of the Week program encourages employees to bring their A-game, leading to improved individual performance.
• Builds team morale: When employees see their peers getting recognized, it creates a shared sense of success. This boost in morale can strengthen teamwork and collaboration.
• Fosters retention: Employee recognition programs can help reduce turnover by making employees feel valued and appreciated, decreasing the desire to seek validation elsewhere.

Creative Employee of the Week Ideas for recognition

Recognizing your Employee of the Week is important, but how you do it can elevate the impact. To keep things exciting and meaningful, here are some Employee of the Week ideas ideas that go beyond the standard ‘congratulations’ to make employees feel truly appreciated:

1. Personalized recognition certificate

A standard certificate might do the job, but why stop there? Create a certificate that’s personalized with the employee’s name, a description of their achievement, and maybe even a quote from their team or supervisor. 

Present it during a team meeting so everyone can witness the recognition. The extra effort shows that their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, and this little touch can mean a lot.

2. Prime parking spot

Offering a prime parking spot as a perk may sound simple, but it’s a daily reminder to your Employee of the Week that they are valued. Instead of circling the parking lot for a spot, they get a convenient one right next to the entrance. It’s a gesture that’s low cost but high in personal impact. Plus, it’s an easy way to offer a privilege that many employees would genuinely appreciate.

3. Lunch with the CEO or leadership team

There’s something special about getting face time with leadership. Offering your Employee of the Week lunch with the CEO or leadership team can be a rewarding experience, both for the employee and the executives. 

It’s a chance for employees to share their insights, learn more about the company’s vision, and feel like their voice matters. For leadership, it’s an opportunity to stay connected with what’s happening on the ground and show they care about their people.

4. Customized desk decor

Who doesn’t enjoy a little workspace makeover? Offering the Employee of the Week a chance to personalize their desk with some new décor is a great way to celebrate. Whether it’s a new plant, fun desk toys, or some fresh office supplies, this simple gesture can help make their workspace feel more comfortable and creative. Plus, it’s a perk they’ll enjoy long after their week is over.

5. Shout-out on social media or company newsletter

Public recognition can go a long way. Feature your Employee of the Week on your company’s social media pages or in your internal newsletter. It’s not just about celebrating them—it’s about showing the entire company and possibly the world that you value your team’s hard work. Adding a fun photo or a short bio with the announcement makes it even more engaging and personal.

6. Gift cards or extra time off

Who doesn’t love a gift card? Offer a small token of appreciation like a gift card to a local coffee shop, restaurant, or store. Alternatively, you can offer an extra half-day or full-day off. It’s a way to reward the Employee of the Week with something they can use and enjoy, whether it’s a free lunch or some extra personal time to recharge.

7. Wall of Fame feature

Create an Employee of the Week “Wall of Fame” in a common area where everyone can see it. Hang up a photo of the recognized employee along with a few words about their achievement and what makes them stand out. 

Over time, this wall will become a visual representation of all the amazing contributions your team has made, fostering a culture of recognition and appreciation throughout the company.

Example oFamempanies running Employee of the Week program 

1. Golden Hippo’s Win of the Week Program

At Golden Hippo, employee recognition is at the core of their culture, with several initiatives in place to celebrate achievements. 

One standout program is the “Win of the Week,” where employees who go above and beyond are highlighted for their efforts. These wins range from solving a major operational challenge to contributing innovative ideas that drive the business forward. In addition to this program, the company frequently gives shout-outs during team meetings and rewards standout contributions with spot bonuses. (Source: BuiltIn)

Golden Hippo, which manufactures and markets health, beauty, and pet care products, goes the extra mile by sharing these employee stories on their internal platforms and social media channels. 

This external recognition not only showcases the value of the team but also creates a sense of pride within the organization. By constantly celebrating wins, big or small, Golden Hippo fosters a positive environment where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.

2. Hilton’s Team Member Appreciation Week

At Hilton, employee recognition is a core part of its culture, contributing to the company topping Fortune's list of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in 2024. With 95% of employees agreeing it’s a great place to work, Hilton uses both formal and informal recognition strategies. 

The Catch Me At My Best program is one standout initiative, allowing spontaneous recognition for team members who deliver exceptional hospitality. 

Additionally, Hilton celebrates Team Member Appreciation Week and International Housekeeping Week, where employees are honored for their hard work through fun activities and rewards. 

The company’s highest honor, the CEO Light & Warmth Award, recognizes employees who live Hilton’s core values and demonstrate exceptional leadership. In 2023, 15 employees received this award, which includes a $10,000 bonus, underscoring Hilton's commitment to recognizing excellence at every level.

3. DHL’s Employee Appreciation Week

At DHL Global Forwarding (DGF), employee recognition is a top priority, earning the logistics company frequent spots on the Great Place to Work list. Every year, DGF hosts an Employee Appreciation Week with global events centered around a specific theme. One recent edition, titled "DGF Moves As One," honored Freight Forwarding experts while celebrating diversity, inclusion, and equality. 

Employees from various global locations came together through a fun and engaging company-wide dance event. Regional playlists were created with songs and dances representing different countries, fostering unity while staying true to the theme.

Beyond this week of celebration, DGF runs an Employee of the Quarter/Year program to highlight standout team members, sharing their achievements company-wide. This blend of creative activities and formal recognition programs ensures that every employee, regardless of location, feels valued and connected to the larger mission of the company.

4. Trader Joe's - Crew Member of the Week

Trader Joe’s fosters a positive workplace culture through its “Crew Member of the Week” program. This initiative allows employees to be nominated by peers or supervisors for exceptional service, teamwork, or bringing a positive attitude to the job. 

The chosen crew member is recognized publicly, either through team meetings or on a staff bulletin board. They often receive small rewards, such as gift cards, extra break time, or thank-you notes from management.

In some stores, the selected crew member gets a fun reward, like choosing the store’s playlist for a shift. This program helps reinforce Trader Joe’s team-oriented culture, motivating employees to go the extra mile. The public recognition not only boosts the individual’s morale but also encourages others to contribute positively, creating a supportive work environment.

Creative ways to keep your Employee of the Week program fresh

Keeping an Employee of the Week program fresh is crucial to maintaining engagement and excitement. Here are several strategies you can implement to ensure the program stays dynamic and motivating over time:

1. Rotate recognition methods

Avoid using the same reward every week. Mix it up by offering a range of incentives like extra time off, gift cards, prime parking spots, or lunch with leadership.

Try alternating between tangible rewards (like gift baskets) and experiential rewards (like a day working remotely or leading a meeting).

2. Create a themed employee of the week categories

Instead of sticking to one generic title, add variety by recognizing different attributes, like:

• "Innovator of the Week" for creative problem solvers.
• "Team Player of the Week" for those who contribute to team success.
• "Rookie of the Week" for new employees who’ve made a strong impact.

Rotate these categories to keep employees excited about different recognition opportunities.

3. Include peer nominations

Involve the whole team by allowing employees to nominate each other. This adds excitement and allows for a broader view of performance, helping managers see contributions that might go unnoticed.

Feature comments from nominators when announcing the winner to highlight why their peers appreciate them.

4. Highlight achievements in creative ways

Change how you announce the Employee of the Week. Try doing a surprise announcement during a team meeting, through a video message from leadership, or through a creative infographic.

Use social media shout-outs, add a dedicated Slack or Teams channel, or create an internal company podcast or video to share employee stories and achievements.

5. Offer customized rewards

Let the Employee of the Week choose their reward from a set of options (e.g., a specific gift card, a preferred work schedule, a tech gadget, etc.).

Tailor rewards are based on the employee’s interests, whether it’s a hobby-based gift, tickets to an event, or something that makes their workday more enjoyable, like noise-canceling headphones.

6. Collaborate with leadership

Have different members of leadership take turns congratulating the Employee of the Week. A personal touch from various leaders helps the program feel special and diverse.

Allow the Employee of the Week to sit in on leadership meetings or decision-making processes to encourage career development and exposure.

7. Feature different teams

Rotate the focus among various departments or teams to ensure the program doesn’t favor one particular group. Recognizing employees from all levels of the organization can help keep participation widespread and fair.

Encourage cross-department collaborations by creating challenges where teams work together, with one person being named Employee of the Week as a result.

8. Create a monthly or quarterly twist

At the end of every month or quarter, have a special "Employee of the Month" or "Employee of the Quarter" award with bigger recognition or a more significant prize. Include team awards to further diversify recognition and encourage collective success.

9. Incorporate feedback

Regularly ask for feedback from employees about what types of rewards or recognition they enjoy. Adjust the program to reflect their preferences.

Allow the current Employee of the Week to pass on a personalized token or write a note for the next person, creating a sense of continuity and involvement.

10. Incorporate gamification

Create a point system where employees earn points toward becoming Employee of the Week based on different actions (completing a project, helping a colleague, learning a new skill).

Add milestones and badges employees can collect as they earn recognition, which makes it feel like a game or a challenge.

By continuously evolving the Employee of the Week program with these ideas, you’ll ensure it stays fresh, meaningful, and engaging for everyone involved.

How to implement and sustain the program?

Starting an Employee of the Week program is a great initiative, but making sure it lasts and stays meaningful requires some planning. 

Here’s how you can implement and sustain it over the long haul:

Step 1: Set clear criteria for selection

To avoid confusion or feelings of favoritism, it’s crucial to establish clear criteria for what makes someone eligible for Employee of the Week. Is it based on productivity, teamwork, innovation, or a combination of factors? Make these criteria well-known so everyone understands how selections are made.

Step 2: Make the process transparent

Transparency is key to maintaining trust in the program. Whether you’re choosing the Employee of the Week through management decisions, peer nominations, or a combination of both, explain the process openly. This ensures that everyone feels the program is fair and not based on favoritism.

Step 3: Encourage peer-to-peer nominations

Involving the team in the selection process can make the recognition feel even more meaningful. Allow employees to nominate their peers for Employee of the Week, giving them a voice in recognizing outstanding performance. This also encourages camaraderie and collaboration within the team.

Step 4: Rotate recognition methods

To keep the program fresh, mix up how you recognize employees each week. You don’t want it to become predictable or monotonous. One week, it could be a lunch with the CEO; the next, a social media shout-out. Rotating rewards helps maintain excitement and engagement.

Step 5: Keep the momentum going

It’s easy to launch an Employee of the Week program with great enthusiasm, but keeping it going requires commitment. Make sure it doesn’t lose steam by integrating it into your company culture. For example, build a weekly meeting or announcement around the recognition, ensuring that it becomes a consistent part of the workweek.

Step 6: Solicit feedback and adjust

As the program unfolds, don’t hesitate to gather feedback from employees. Are they enjoying it? Are the rewards meaningful? Based on their input, make adjustments to keep the program relevant and appreciated.

Running a seamless Employee of the Week Program with Empuls

Running an Employee of the Week program doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated, especially with a tool like Empuls. Empuls takes your recognition game to the next level, offering an easy, automated, and impactful way to make your employees feel truly appreciated. Here’s why Empuls can make all the difference:

• Empower your team with peer nominations: Let your employees be a part of the process by allowing them to nominate their colleagues. This peer-to-peer recognition feature fosters a sense of camaraderie and ensures that the Employee of the Week title feels earned and meaningful.
• Automate recognition, and eliminate hassle: Say goodbye to the manual work of tracking and announcing Employee of the Week winners. Empuls automates the entire recognition process, ensuring no one is overlooked and every achievement is celebrated on time, every week.
• Personalized shout-outs that matter: Generic recognition doesn’t cut it anymore. Empuls enables you to deliver personalized shout-outs on your internal communication platforms, ensuring that each Employee of the Week feels individually valued and appreciated by the whole company.
• Reward points and gifts for extra motivation: Recognition is great, but pairing it with rewards makes it even better. With Empuls, you can award points that employees can redeem for gifts, turning recognition into something they can enjoy beyond the office.
• Real-time feedback to keep improving: Want to know how your team feels about the Employee of the Week program? Empuls collects real-time feedback, helping you fine-tune and enhance the program based on what’s working (or not) for your team.
• Measure the impact with engagement analytics: Empuls provides analytics to track how your Employee of the Week program is influencing morale and engagement. With these insights, you can ensure your program stays relevant, effective, and appreciated.

With Empuls, you’re not just running an Employee of the Week program—you’re creating a recognition experience that resonates with your team and builds a culture of appreciation.

Conclusion

An Employee of the Week program isn’t just about handing out awards—it’s about building a culture where everyone feels valued for their efforts. From boosting morale to fostering healthy competition, this simple initiative can make a big difference in how your team performs and connects with one another. 

With thoughtful planning and creative recognition ideas, you can keep the momentum going and create a workplace where employees are excited to show up every day. 

After all, when employees feel appreciated, they are more likely to stay engaged, motivated, and loyal to your company.

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