Speaker Q&A Directory

The Benefits of Employee Recognition
Competitive salaries and good benefit plans are essential to attracting talent. But they are not the only building blocks of a successful business. Employees want to feel valued in the workplace. Karl Weiss, director of organizational development and recognition for sporting goods company Eddie Bauer, tells how his company is rewarding employees for good work with a program that also promotes the company brand.

Q: What will your session cover?

A: We'll talk about some new programs we've put in place at Eddie Bauer in the last few years tying the recognition program into our company brand. It is not a stand-alone program. It's tying in with everything we're doing as an organization. We're going back to our roots as an active, outdoor, adventure apparel brand.

Q: How does the recognition program work?

A: It's a day-to-day program everybody can participate in, whether it's through recognizing one's peers or a manager recognizing their employees. Rewards are tied in with the outdoors. It may come in the form of a reimbursement for buying outdoor gear or for taking up a challenge to go hot air ballooning.

Q: Is there a tie-in with your wellness program?

A: Yes. Huge. A more active population enjoys more wellness. One of the benefits we offer is the "get outside" benefit. Employees can get 100 dollars a year for gym memberships, shoes for a marathon, swimming lessons, or gear to do something for the first time. If it's getting them outdoors and active, we're going to support it.

Q: How can employers in other industries brand their reward programs?

A: Think about the employment brand first. If you make semiconductors or medical equipment, how can you tie in your brand and get your employees engaged? Consider how you can tie rewards to your mission statement.

Q: What is the goal of an employee recognition program?

A: All studies show that people want to be recognized for what they're doing. It may be as simple as a manager saying, "John, thank you for straightening up the stock room." Employees are engaged when they know they're doing well.