Your Workplace Campaign: Recognition

Recognizing employees for their participation is important, both during and after the campaign.  Whether you have a big budget or no budget, there are lots of ways to make everyone know that they're support is appreciated.

When developing a recognition plan for your campaign, remember to…

• Use Incentives
• Express Your Gratitude

Use Incentives
Enticing your colleagues to participate in your campaign can take many forms and does not have to cost a lot. When considering incentives, brainstorm lots of options and then work with others on your team to choose those that work for your company. Be sure to tie your incentives to a certain level of participation—set the bar at a high (but reasonable) level to encourage giving.

Time:  Employees love to be given a little extra free time, and a little bit goes a long way. Explore options for leaving early on the last day before a holiday weekend. "Summer Fridays" are also a favorite.

Food:  Sweet treats at work are always welcome, and home-made cupcakes and other baked goods impart the feel-good notion that comes with doing something nice for others. A good old fashioned pizza party also brings employees together in a time-honored way.

Prizes:  A great way to encourage participation is by offering prizes via a raffle. Garnering in-kind donations will help you work within the confines of a small budget. Reach out across the organization to see what resources your coworkers may be able to tap. You may be surprised at how many great gifts you can cultivate. Think about tickets and gift certificates, as well as fun items like iPods. Check with your human resources department; they may have vendors willing to offer discounts and other offers to events around town.

Leaders:  Face time with your company's leadership is very valuable. Invite your senior leaders to offer up lunches and dinners to those who exhibit great participation in the campaign.

Express Your Gratitude
Everyone appreciates being thanked, and your colleagues are no different. While still in the planning stages, factor in time for thank-yous before, during and after the campaign.

Print, Electronic and Verbal:  Be sure to thank everyone who participates throughout various stages of the campaign, in addition to thanking them for their actual gift. Handwritten notes are especially meaningful, and be sure to let them know in person, too.

Lead Donors:  Find a way to reward employees who give at the highest levels that acknowledges that they went the extra mile. Host a special event, or reward them with extra time off. Be sure to let them know that United Way supports campaign leaders in a variety of ways.

Leadership Groups:  United Way's leadership groups, like the Women's Leadership Council and the Young Leaders Council, comprise like-minded professionals who give to United Way and want to take their volunteerism to the next level. Members come together at volunteer and networking events and are afforded opportunities to work on and lead committees.

Honor Employees:  United Way's special events offer opportunities to recognize an exceptional employee for his/her hard work and contribution to the community. The Women's Leadership Council hosts an annual awards luncheon that honors both senior- and junior-level women employees, and the Gridiron Gala honors senior level professionals. You could also reward employees with professional development opportunities, like those offered by United Way's board service training program BoardServeNYC.

Inform:  A great way to thank employees for their campaign participation is to let them know how their dollars are being put to use in the community. Work with your United Way account manager to get information on our initiatives and their impact. Explore options for coordinating a site visit for employees who exhibited great participation. It is great to show your colleagues how their giving makes a difference.