Recognition & Rewards

Programmers pitch ideas in ‘Shark Tank’-type competition

01/17/2014

Execs at Geneca, a Chicago-based custom software development firm, took a cue from the hit TV show “Shark Tank” to encourage its 100 employees to come up with innovative ideas. The competition—set up like a science fair—is called the “Innovation Challenge/Shark Tank.”

Are retreat prizes taxable income?

12/24/2013

Q. We hold a team-building retreat every year where we give employees prizes after completing certain challenges. Are those prizes considered taxable income?

Software firm’s culture centers on celebrations

12/19/2013

On the desk of every Benefitfocus employee is a cowbell, which the associate may ring to announce that he or she has closed a big deal—or gotten engaged or is expecting a baby. In fact, employees of the Charleston, S.C.-based benefits software company spend a lot of time celebrating personal and professional milestones.

Wish list: 10 alternatives to Christmas cash

12/12/2013

Are you putting anything extra in employees’ stockings this holiday? While most employees say they’d prefer cash, padding paychecks isn’t the only way your organization can say “Happy Holidays!” Consider these wise alternatives:

Remodeling crews celebrate success, earn rewards

11/12/2013

Workers at Power Home Remodeling Group get extra vacation days every year—paid time off to attend the company’s annual, all-employee trip to a tropical destination.

5 most common recognition awards

10/21/2013

More than three-quarters of employers polled say they hand out certificates and plaques to reward employee accomplishments. Frankly, we’ll trade a plaque for a tasty snack any day.

Sheetz execs take N.C. recognition party on the road

10/14/2013

Sheetz execs celebrated the convenience store chain’s placement on a statewide “best companies” list this summer with a rolling party that brought them to all 56 of the organization’s North Carolina locations.

Health insurance firm pays employees to get healthy

10/09/2013

As employees of EmblemHealth get healthy, they get a little bit richer, too. Last year, the health insurance company handed out cash rewards ranging from $375 to $750 for activities like taking online classes, participating in fitness challenges and working with wellness coaches.

Handwritten notes: The pen is mightier than the send

10/08/2013

What would mean more to you … a “thank you” email from your organization’s CEO or a handwritten “thank you” note? The answer is obvious. Handwritten notes carry a greater impact.

Health care system honors nurses with week of ‘magic’

07/09/2013

Supplemental Health Care, which places nurses, therapists and other health care professionals in temporary jobs, celebrated National Nurses Week in May by rewarding the traveling nurses among its own employees.