At MedalStudio we pride ourselves in creating bespoke awards and medals that people are proud to receive. One of our most successful categories is our custom awards, particularly to celebrate team members (like employee of the month), but also business -- like best new business awards.
As any business owner knows, a business cannot be broken down into a spreadsheet. So much of a business is in the intangibles -- of team morale, company ethos, and general culture within both departments and the company as a whole.
We believe that taking a moment to celebrate team members and businesses goes a long way to boosting company culture. Giving awards to employees is a powerful way to recognise their contributions, and gaining awards as a business means the team will be proud to have played a part in the reward.
Let’s delve into the positive impact of receiving awards—first for employers and then for employees—and explore why recognition matters in creating thriving workplaces.
How Awards Benefit Employers
For employers, receiving awards or industry recognition is about more than just prestige. Awards serve as powerful tools to enhance business growth, attract talent, and celebrate their hard work.
1. Boosting Brand Credibility and Recognition
Industry awards validate a company’s achievements in the eyes of stakeholders, customers, and competitors. In fact, a recent study shows that award-winning companies often experience a substantial increase in earnings— up to 63% for small businesses and 48% for larger corporations.
The recognition from awards can open doors to new opportunities, including partnerships, collaborations, and a broader customer base. For instance, a company acknowledged for sustainability practices might attract like-minded partners, reinforcing their brand values.
2. Driving Employee Engagement and Morale
While awards might seem company focused, they have just as powerful an effect on the team. Winning industry recognition can encourage a sense of pride among employees, making them feel part of a successful team. Employees are more likely to up their game when they know their workplace is celebrated and recognised.
3. Competitive Advantage in the Market
In competitive markets, being recognised through awards can set you apart. It provides tangible evidence of the company’s ability to deliver exceptional products or services. Awards can also help businesses justify premium pricing, as they signal a level of quality or innovation that justifies the cost.
4. Attraction and Retention of Top Talent
Talented professionals often seek employment with organisations that stand out. An award-winning company will naturally attract a better pool of talent, and give confidence to applicants that they're joining a winning team.
5. Marketing and PR Opportunities
Awards also offer significant marketing potential. Announcements about award wins create opportunities for media coverage, social media engagement, and customer outreach. A well-executed campaign highlighting an award win can lead to increased brand visibility and even boost sales.
The Positive Impact of Awards on Employees
In a growing business, no-one's job is easy. It's natural for a team to get lost in the work routine month-in, month-out. Awards offer an opportunity for a team to pause and reflect on all the hard work and progress they've made in the last year.
Awards allow for a moment to highlight and reward the efforts throughout the month or year, and give the company a chance to celebrate team members who've been going above-and-beyond for the team.
1. Boosting Morale and Motivation
Receiving an award can have a profound psychological impact. It reinforces to employees that their efforts are noticed and valued. This acknowledgment can be a strong motivator, encouraging them to maintain or even improve their performance.
For instance, recognising an employee as “Most Supportive Team Member” not only uplifts the recipient but also sets an example for others to follow.
2. Enhancing Job Satisfaction and Loyalty
Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to remain loyal to the team. Awards provide tangible evidence of an employer’s commitment to recognising and rewarding hard work (especially provided some bonus or prize is attached). This creates a positive work environment, where employees are more likely to go above and beyond, and who can nominate one-another for doing so.
3. Encouraging Healthy Competition and Collaboration
Awards can promote healthy competition among employees, encouraging them to strive for excellence. When done right, awards also strengthen collaboration. Peer-nominated awards, for example, emphasise teamwork and create a culture where employees value and support one another.
4. Personal and Professional Development
Recognition through awards often inspires employees to develop further. Knowing they’ve been acknowledged for their strengths, employees may seek to enhance their skills or take on new challenges. This growth benefits both the individual and the organisation.
5. Improving Workplace Culture
Awards create moments of celebration, bringing teams together and reinforcing a sense of unity. Whether it’s a company-wide award ceremony or a simple acknowledgment during a meeting, these gestures foster a culture of appreciation and positivity.
Our Craft, Your Impact
At MedalStudio, we take pride in helping our clients create meaningful awards that celebrate their team. We’ve worked with countless organisations to design custom employee awards that reflect the unique values of each workplace. Whether it’s a sleek acrylic or handcrafted wood, our awards are created with care to ensure they resonate with the recipients and their teams.
If you’re ready to create custom awards that inspire and motivate, get in touch with us at [email protected] or give us a ring on 01377 250449. Free design service included.
Updated: 09/12/2024