Employee recognition - Does it tickle your fancy?

[OAS]

Seeing as we use this board while at work, allow me to ask for your viewpoints on the matters of employee motivation and recognition. I am about to announce our employee of the month for May. The employee of the Month gets preferred parking, a free day off, a $50 Amex gift certificate, their name on a plaque displayed in our lobby, a personal certificate and accolades from their peers. We have a defined set of minimum requirements, attendance, customer service, contributions etc.

We also do some other things like Friday barbecues in the summer months, occasional Friday’s at a local pub etc.

Do you think these things work? Do you appreciate if your employer does these things?

What the hell, I have to justify my time here somehow. I will convince myself I’m fact finding today.