Employee engagement. It’s all the rage in the field of employee relations – but what is it and how does it benefit the promotional product market? Employee engagement is the emotional commitment the employee has to the organization and its objectives. This means the employee really cares about their work and the company, they are committed and “engaged”. They don’t work just for the money, or just for the next promotion, but work on behalf of the organization’s objectives. They judge their own success by the company’s success. They take ownership and have pride in what they do. Numerous studies have shown that companies with engaged employees see improved productivity and profitability.
Recognition and reward is a key part of building engagement. Employees need to feel valued and recognized for their contributions. However, there is a difference between short-term motivation and recognition. Gift cards, team luncheons, cash and travel motivate for short term goals. Recognition items such as awards, trophies and plaques are typically displayed on desks, walls, shelves, mantels may have fewer impressions per month (223 impressions/month) BUT these products are kept around for a very long time AND generate the most favorable impression from recipients. The best recognition programs include a combination of both.
Awards & Recognition is the 5th largest product category in the industry, growing 26% in 2013 and contributing $963 million to overall industry sales. A recognition program can include years of service awards, quarterly or yearly sales achievements, and team project completions, for example. If you can secure a recognition program it is a highly repeatable business, and with the increased importance on employee engagement, it’s a market that will continue to grow.
JAFFA® by BIC Graphic offers a variety of services that are geared specifically towards the needs of recognition programs. With free setups, free art, quick production times including a 24 hour service and minimums starting at 1 piece; distributors can feel confident in approaching and selling recognition products. JAFFA® works closely with distributors on their specific programs to meet their needs, because we know each end user has a unique program for building employee engagement. JAFFA® released over 25 new products for 2015, with a variety of exclusive designs across a range of price points; there is something for every recognition situation.
Most companies have existing incentive, appreciation or recognition programs already in place and the average repeat/life cycle of a program is 5 years. After decades of handing out the same rectangle award, though, the program needs to be refreshed. Companies now want something that represents their image, the spirit of their industry, shows innovation, creativity and prestige. With the high cost and lengthy production time of custom awards, they are unsure where to find an award that is the “perfect fit”. JAFFA® by BIC Graphic can fill that need, with a wide variety of exclusive and innovative designs, you can achieve a custom feel without the hassles. The new Geared-Up Paperweight (#36793) is perfect for manufacturing industries or team work; the Bright Idea (#36777) fits well with energy companies or idea generators; and the Shield Award (#36797) is great for associations. If you combine these or any other awards with britePix®, our full color printing technique, you can produce that one of a kind recognition piece that will WOW recipients.
Contact your BIC Graphic sales representative for brainstorming help and ideas! And visit http://www.norwood.com and http://www.bicgraphic.com for lots of great products perfect for comprehensive Recognition programs!
~Margit Fawbush
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So true. Great post.