How to Create a Recognition Program Based on Employee Hobbies
Aligning recognition with employee hobbies
Have you ever received a generic "Thank you for all your hard work!" card and thought, well, that was nice… but did they even know my name?
Recognition matters - but doing it the right way matters even more. Imagine an employee reward program that's not just a tick-box exercise but something that actually resonates with your team. The solution? Hobby-based recognition.
Let's see how you can create a program that's as unique as your employees' interests (yes, even Gary's obscure love for competitive yoyoing).
Why hobbies make employee recognition more meaningful
We all know employees want to feel valued, but generic rewards often miss the mark. By tapping into their hobbies, you're sending a powerful message: We see you, and we care about what makes you tick.
- It's Personal: Employees feel valued when recognition aligns with their passions.
- It's Memorable: A custom cycling jersey for an avid biker beats a branded mug every time.
- It's Fun: Hobby-based rewards bring a smile to everyone's face - especially if it involves something quirky.
Example: An HR team discovered one of their accountants loved bird-watching. For her recognition, they gifted her an annual pass to a nearby bird sanctuary. The result? A delighted employee who felt genuinely seen.
How to identify employee hobbies without awkwardness
The trick is to gather this information naturally without making it feel invasive or weird.
- Add It to Onboarding: Include a 'Hobbies and Interests' section in onboarding paperwork.
- Use Surveys or Polls: Send out a quick survey asking about interests, framed as 'Help us make work more fun!'
- Create an Interest Map: Display a fun, voluntary office map or Slack channel where employees can share hobbies.
Tip: Stay open to unconventional hobbies! Not every interest will fit into the 'running, reading or yoga' box.
Designing a program that works for your budget
Recognition doesn't have to break the bank - it just has to be thoughtful. Here's how to create some tiered rewards:
> Low-Cost Options:
- Book vouchers for the avid reader.
- A set of artisanal teas for the tea connoisseur.
> Mid-Range Ideas:
- Tickets to local events for music or sports fans.
- Customised gym gear for fitness enthusiasts.
> High-End Rewards (for big milestones):
Example: One company celebrated an employee's five-year work anniversary by funding a pottery workshop - a hobby she'd casually mentioned in a team meeting.
Timing: When to recognise employees
The timing of your recognition can amplify its impact. Consider these occasions:
- Work Milestones: Anniversaries, promotions or project completions.
- Personal Achievements: Celebrate their hobbies outside of work, like completing a marathon or finishing a course.
- Random Acts of Recognition: Surprise rewards will create a culture of positivity.
Pro Tip: Balance predictable schedules (e.g., quarterly awards) with spontaneous gestures to keep things fresh.
Tracking and evolving your program
Even the best programs need fine-tuning. Regularly check in to ensure your recognition efforts stay relevant.
- Ask for Feedback: Survey employees about the program - what's working and what isn't.
- Stay Flexible: Hobbies evolve. Offer ways for employees to update their interests.
- Celebrate the Results: Highlight success stories during team meetings or in company newsletters.
Let's Make Recognition Fun
Recognition shouldn't feel like a corporate checkbox. By focusing on hobbies, you'll create a program that's personal, meaningful, and (dare I say) fun. So, the next time you're considering how to thank an employee, ask yourself: What's their thing?
What hobbies do your colleagues have that would make for great recognition rewards?
Here at Golden Moments, we can provide you with a range of corporate packages designed to positively impact your relationship with your employees as well improve your customer base and achieve your business goals.
Give our corporate team a call today on +44 (0) 2393 877130 or email us at corporate@goldenmoments.com to discuss how you can introduce a successful rewards and recognition program with Golden Moments!
FAQs: Addressing Common Questions
1. What if I don't know my employees' hobbies?
Start small with a casual survey or add questions about hobbies during onboarding. You'd be surprised what you can learn in a simple team meeting!
2. How can I manage this for a remote team?
Recognition for remote teams can be just as personal. Offer digital options like gift experience vouchers, virtual classes or experiences that can be enjoyed anywhere.
3. What if my team's hobbies are too varied?
That's okay! The key is variety in your recognition toolkit. Keep options flexible so employees can choose something meaningful to them.
