Author: Alison Newman

Alison provides program sponsors and administrators with relevant program data, analysis and insight at QIC. She is also involved in developing program marketing methods and materials. In addition to her account support functions, Alison is involved with QIC’s social media initiatives and external marketing efforts. Alison earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Mississippi College, where she was a member of the equestrian team.

Employee Appreciation Day

March 7, 2014 by

Happy Employee Appreciation DayEmployee appreciation is a part of every day at QIC. From congratulatory emails, to a simple thank you- we recognize the significance of expressing appreciation – individually and with social recognition events.  Today, as I watched Jeff Edwards, VP of Marketing & Business Development, call in two long-time employees to thank them for their hard work and service, I noticed the smiles on their faces grow (shout out to Billie and Dionne for being wonderful co-workers)! Everyone likes a kind word of encouragement, a pat on the back, or a “job well done”.

Today (National Employee Appreciation Day) is the perfect day to take a moment to thank your employees. Need a few ideas? Let me help!

  • Write a short letter or note to each employee letting them know that they are a valuable asset to the company. That their performance has meaning and provides value to the organization.
  • Take an employee out to lunch.
  • Make up some fun awards and hold an awards ceremony, like The Dundies (from the popular television show The Office –Most Company Spirited, The Always Has a Smile Employee, The Fastest Copy Maker, etc…)
  • Ask employees for their opinion on an upcoming decision. Let them know they are important.
  • Let Them Eat Cake- buy a cake or cupcakes for your dedicated team!
  • Just say thank you, you never know how important it is to hear someone tell you that.

These are just a few quick ideas that you could do – today! With just a little planning you could easily put together events that center around employee appreciation.  One of my favorite memories from working at a hospital in my home town was the carnival that the hospital had each year for the employees and their families.

They grilled burgers and hotdogs, had inflatables for the kids, different games for the adults, face painting, bingo, and more (and with spring weather just around the corner – now is the perfect time to begin planning). It was so much fun and everyone had a great time. This was just one of the many things the administration did to show the employees their true appreciation for each and every one of them.

I think Steve Brunkhorst said it well when he stated “Feeling appreciated is one of the most important needs that people have. When you share with someone your appreciation and gratitude, they will not forget you. Appreciation will return to you many times.”

Contact us to find out more about building a culture of recognition with employee appreciation.

Prescription for Healthy Behavior – Employee Wellness

January 30, 2014 by

The importance of employee wellness programs has greatly increased over the past several years. As heath care expenditures are soaring, there is an increasing interest among policy-makers, insurers and employers in methods of improving health while lowering cost. Karen Smith points out in her article entitled Why Workplace Wellness is Important  that “changing our behavior… Read more »

Expressions of Gratitude: Building Blocks of Recognition

January 13, 2014 by

Mahalo, grazie, asante sana, danke, gracias, thank you! No matter how you say it, take time to say thank you this month (National Thank You Month). A few months ago I received a “thank you” in a very unique and interesting way- and it was in a way that I won’t forget. My apartment complex… Read more »

Take Out Pizza and Online Points Programs – How Convenient!

December 23, 2013 by

I’ve discovered some interesting parallels between QIC’s online points programs – on the IncenTrac® platform — and take-out pizza.  First, I have a confession to make — I don’t cook (gasp!), and it’s not that I don’t know how or that I don’t enjoy cooking — I just don’t do it. It is time consuming… Read more »

Safety Incentive Programs: Follow the Leader!

December 7, 2013 by

Michelle Chappell’s most recent post, Leading from the Front: Developing a Safety Culture, emphasizes the importance of the company leader also complying with the company safety incentive program.  Employees tend to “follow the leader”, so if they see their leader’s actions correlating with the company culture, they will surely follow. To lead means “to guide… Read more »