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Say “thank you” or offer a handwritten note or thank you
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Create a wall or bulletin board that recognizes team members for a job well done (include pictures, notes, paper for people to add notes that “brag” on their team, etc.)
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If possible, consider offering a mentoring or job shadowing opportunity that could be valuable to the team member
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Be mindful of introducing new team members, and collect a Team Member Preferences Form
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Offer a “pass” for something that would be meaningful to a team member to use as appropriate (ex. casual dress)
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Use completed Team Member Preferences Form to provide personalized recognition (ex. favorite candy, small gift card, etc.)
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Share positive feedback you receive about your team or coworkers effort
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Make time to recognize and compliment a team member’s strengths (ex. block time on your calendar to write a thank you note)
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Host a fun contest (ex. best baked good, pumpkin decorating, door decorating, etc.) and find a creative way to celebrate the winner
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Allow a team member to work in an alternate work location for a day
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Work with your communications team to highlight a team member’s great work on your department’s social media platforms
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Submit a blurb about a team member’s accomplishment in your department, division, or program newsletter
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Offer opportunities for peer-to-peer recognition (ex. a bulletin board, newsletter, a kudos page on the intranet, etc.)
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Create a recognition sign
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Recognize team members during meetings, when appropriate (anniversaries, completing a major task, going above and beyond, etc.)
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Designate a special parking space that a team member can use for a period of time
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Host a group lunch, coffee break, or snack day in honor of a team member or an accomplishment
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Initiate a fun game or activity with your team to build camaraderie and team cohesiveness
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Ideas could include, but are not limited to:
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Friendly contests (ex. ugliest tie, socks, etc.)
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“No negativity allowed” day
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Yearbook, pet, or other photo contest
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Health & wellness activities, like a group walk or break
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Coordinate a fun exchange between team members (ex. a book exchange)
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Develop a department, division, or program cook book, filled with favorite recipes to share
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For distributed teams, consider activities you can do through email or WebEx:
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Celebrate a national recognition holiday:
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National Employee Appreciation Day (first Friday in March)
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State Team Member Appreciation Month (June)
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Administrative Professionals Day (Observed on the Wednesday of the last full week in April)
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Bosses Day (October 16, unless this falls on a weekend)
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Host a friendly contest or activity related to a holiday:
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Costume contest or ugly holiday sweater contest
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Host a holiday-themed food day:
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Green food day (St. Patrick’s Day)
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Thanksgiving or holiday potluck
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Create a general “award” to honor team members
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Creative award ideas could include items like:
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Administrative Support Award
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Show-Me Excellence Smarter Not Harder Series
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Rewarding & Recognizing Team Members
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How to Give Meaningful Rewards & Recognition
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Making Recognition a Routine
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Engage 2.0 Recognition Menu
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Employee Savings & Benefits
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Team Member Preferences Form
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State of Missouri Talent Development
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MO Appreciation Sign Template
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MO Appreciation Award Template