Providing Praise

Awards and recognition products lift spirits for both the giver and the recipient. Knowing what goes in to buying these morale-building products allows you to get the best merchandise for your specific situation. Promo Marketing spoke to some of the industry's top suppliers in the industry to find out everything you'll need to know about awards and recognition products.

Importance of Rewarding

Gallup's 2013 State of the American Workplace Report found that 70 percent of American workers are not engaged in their work or organization, but recognizing their hard work is one way to make them feel appreciated and encourage them to get more involved.

"The list of reasons why it is important for employers to recognize their employees could go on and on and on," said Bridget Dahlgren, marketing manager for St. Paul, Minnesota-based Crystal D. "Higher revenues, reduced turnover and higher productivity are all items pertinent to the success of an organization."

Dahlgren explained that happy employees often lead to improvements to things like service as well.

"Without a memorable customer experience, an organization would not retain customers," she said. "Engaged employees help create the customer experience an organization needs to thrive in the competitive landscape we live in today."

There are different strategies for motivating employees to keep a business running smoothly. Margit Fawbush, communications manager for BIC Graphic in Clearwater, Fla., stressed the effect awards have on long-term motivation.

"There is a difference between short-term motivation and recognition," said Fawbush. "Gift cards, team luncheons, cash and travel motivate for short-term goals. Tangible rewards that are kept, and therefore remembered, are tied to psychological well-being."

Awards are one option to encourage workers to keep up the hard work, but recognition gifts are another acceptable route. Kellie Claudio, vice president of sales for City of Industry, California-based Sweda Company LLC, said pairing a gift with acknowledgement is a great way to reward employees' dedication.