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The Employee Engagement Glossary

A glossary for the everyday people leader.
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Spot Awards

What are Spot Awards?

Spot awards are immediate, on-the-spot recognition given to employees for exceptional performance or behavior. These awards are typically given without prior planning and aim to recognize contributions in real-time, boosting morale and reinforcing desired behaviors.

Why They're Important

Spot awards are essential because they offer timely recognition, making employees feel valued and appreciated instantly. This can lead to a more motivated workforce and encourage employees to continue performing well.

Spot Awards in Practice

A manager might give an employee a gift card or a small bonus for going above and beyond in handling a client issue, recognizing their contribution immediately.

Benefits of Spot Awards for Employee Engagement

  • Offers immediate recognition which reinforces positive behavior right away.
  • Increases employee morale and motivation.
  • Fosters a culture of recognition within the organization.

Best Practices for Spot Awards

  • Ensure awards are tied to specific achievements or behaviors.
  • Make awards visible to others to inspire similar actions.
  • Keep the rewards meaningful and aligned with employee preferences.