Start Monthly, Annual Employee Awards

Audio Video Interiors in Medina, Ohio has established a detailed employee recognition program that boosts morale.

Each month the staff nominates individuals for the following awards:

• Technician of the Month
• Salesman of the Month
• Employee of the Month

Each winner receives $250 of “AVI Money” that can be redeemed for 50 percent cash value, or 100 percent for products, and educational expenses. Winners are posted on plaques in the lobby and acknowledged at a quarterly meeting, according to company president Michael Pope.

The management team also selects the Technician of the Year, Salesman of the Year, and Employee of the Year. The winners are presented with trophies, have their names added to the award plaques in the lobby and receive “AVI Money.”

Employees can also submit ideas they think will improve a company process, increase customer service, or generate or save the company money. The ideas are reviewed and voted on by management. Each winner receives $250 of “AVI Money” and acknowledgment at the quarterly and annual meetings.

Finally, AVI has a “Wall of Fame” in which technician’s certifications are mounted. The sales staff brings prospective clients to the Wall of Fame prior to demonstrating any products.

Create Educational Credit for Employees

Audio Video Interiors established a $2,500 Educational Advancement Fund for every employee. It can be used for college courses, certifications, trainings, books, seminars, and industry conferences.

Every employee must submit two-year goals that coincide with the program. The results have proven to be a huge differentiator in the business and increased staff pride.

Pay Techs for Being on Time

Liberty Bell Alarm & Home Theater was having a problem with its 20 technicians being tardy in the morning and with productivity being down.

The problem is made worse when you have two-man crews and one guy is on time, being paid, waiting for his partner.

Its solution is to pay technicians a $1 per hour bonus for being on time for the daily 7 a.m. meeting and for being out the door with the trucks fully loaded by 7:30 a.m.

This has resulted in productivity being way up.

Put Together an Administrative Package for Managers

Logic Integration in Englewood, Colo., doesn't want anything to fall through the cracks when it comes to handling employees.

The company has created a comprehensive package of forms for managers and employees to use:

• Non-disclosure/non-compete
• Employment contract
• New employee checklist for managers
• Payroll deduction authorization form
• Direct deposit authorization form
• Disciplinary notice
• Manager's pre-termination checklist
• New Employee information
• Performance Review
• Job Descriptions
• Work order form
• Delivery receipt
• Extended maintenance contract
• Residential job contract
• Commercial job contract
• Trade ally/builder contract
• Employee Handbook

Hold Weekly Cash Drawings for No Accidents

Liberty Bell Alarm & Home Theater also wanted to reduce on-the-job accidents. So it came up with a weekly cash drawing of $1, $5, $10, $25, and $50 for employees who do not have accidents.

Accidents, as a result, are way down.

What are some of the best practices your company follows? Leave a comment below.