{"id":1594,"date":"2026-02-01T03:08:54","date_gmt":"2026-02-01T09:08:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/?p=1594"},"modified":"2026-03-30T07:46:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T12:46:16","slug":"employee-of-the-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/employee-of-the-month\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start an Employee of the Month Program (with Free Email Template)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"251\">According to a recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employee separation rates remain at a notably high level. People leave their jobs for many reasons \u2014 from economic shifts to relocation \u2014 but dissatisfaction continues to be a major factor.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"253\" data-end=\"333\">Job dissatisfaction can stem from feeling underpaid, overworked, or undervalued.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"335\" data-end=\"381\">So, how can you improve employee satisfaction?<\/p>\n<p>One way is to start an employee of the month program. According to Survey Monkey, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.surveymonkey.com\/curiosity\/employee-recognition-and-retention\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">82% of employees<\/a> are happier when they\u2019re recognized at work. What better way to acknowledge excellence than rewarding individuals for their contributions?<\/p>\n<p>An employee of the month program has the potential to boost morale, increase productivity, minimize errors, spark <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/employee-engagement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">employee engagement<\/a>, and reduce attrition.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-tips-to-launch-an-employee-of-the-month-program\"><\/span>5 Tips To Launch An Employee Of The Month Program<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3>1. Spark Some Creativity<\/h3>\n<p>Right off the bat, it\u2019s important to note that it doesn\u2019t specifically need to be called \u201cEmployee of the Month.\u201d For starters, it can be whatever interval you want. Monthly works, but so do quarterly or even annual awards if your company has a yearly party or \u201ckick-off\u201d event.<\/p>\n<p>If you have hundreds or even thousands of eligible employees, you may want to rethink only choosing 12 people a year. Many employees may feel overlooked or feel resentful for never winning. Creating a higher frequency award or having multiple types of awards can solve this problem.<\/p>\n<p>Some ideas to consider are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dependability Award<\/strong> &#8211; Showcases employees who have their company\u2019s and other employees&#8217; back and exhibit supreme reliability.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Value Victors<\/strong> &#8211; Many companies have core values. Give monthly awards to those who embody each core value.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Customer Excellence Award<\/strong> &#8211; Goes to an employee who went above and beyond for a customer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you want your employees to feel integral to your operation and display leadership qualities, volunteer more, or simply foster a sense of fellowship, then having multiple awards is a great option.<\/p>\n<p><!-- This site is converting visitors into subscribers and customers with OptinMonster - https:\/\/optinmonster.com --><\/p>\n<div id=\"om-uqspkfbdpm6cottisxtw-holder\"><\/div>\n<p><script>(function(d,u,ac){var s=d.createElement('script');s.type='text\/javascript';s.src='https:\/\/a.omappapi.com\/app\/js\/api.min.js';s.async=true;s.dataset.user=u;s.dataset.campaign=ac;d.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(s);})(document,80518,'uqspkfbdpm6cottisxtw');<\/script><br \/>\n<!-- \/ https:\/\/optinmonster.com --><\/p>\n<h3>2. Specify The Parameters<\/h3>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve identified the award(s), it\u2019s time to clearly map out the objectives and qualifications. Eliminate any gray area by answering as many questions ahead of time as possible.<\/p>\n<p>If necessary, compile an FAQ document or slide deck that you can share with the announcement to make the rollout as smooth as possible.<\/p>\n<p>Some details to iron out may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Can you win multiple times?<\/li>\n<li>What happens if there\u2019s a tie?<\/li>\n<li>Are part-time employees eligible?<\/li>\n<li>What factors decide the winner?<\/li>\n<li>When will the winner be announced?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The selection process should be as iron-clad and transparent as possible, so everyone feels like they have a shot at winning.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Get The Team Involved<\/h3>\n<p>Top-down recognition and awards are great, but adding a layer of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/employee-appreciation-day-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">peer recognition<\/a> can amplify the award\u2019s impact and appeal.<\/p>\n<p>People inherently want to do a good job for their boss and the company. Still, there\u2019s something special about being recognized as the \u201cgreatest\u201d by your own peers, who likely understand your contribution even more than management.<\/p>\n<p>Peer-nominated awards also have the added benefit of making the award feel more attainable since leadership can\u2019t play favorites or give participation trophies \u2013 it has to be earned.<\/p>\n<p>Having the team assist in deciding on the awards and the award qualifications is an idea worth entertaining as well. You may get more creative ideas and generate more excitement by including them in the decision-making process.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re uneasy about giving too much free reign, you can send an anonymous survey and gather ideas and feedback to indirectly help you make your decision.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Tack On a Truly Amazing Prize<\/h3>\n<p>Pinpointing worthwhile incentives is always a challenge. Everyone\u2019s tastes differ, and there will always be some trade-offs involved, especially if you\u2019re on a tight budget.<\/p>\n<p>Some simple choices are gift cards and cash incentives. If you can swing it, all-expenses-paid trips are a real motivator and can generate a lot of excitement.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re aiming to keep costs low, you can opt for something less flashy but still memorable like extra paid time off, a front row parking spot, and perhaps a little trophy or plaque to show off their accomplishment for years to come. Another viable option is offering up connection opportunities such as dinner with the CEO.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Make The Announcement a Big Deal<\/h3>\n<p>Making the employee of the month award feel genuinely exciting and worth pursuing comes down to how it\u2019s announced. Emailing a gift card and putting a trophy on their desk isn\u2019t enough. For many people, the prize is a good motivator, but what really drives them is public recognition.<\/p>\n<p>To make the program more effective, announce it in a team meeting, share it on the company blog or newsletter, and even toss it up on social media. Let the whole world see your team\u2019s greatness.<\/p>\n<p>To really kick it up a notch, have their manager or a close friend present the award and give a thoughtful speech about their impact on the team. The details here matter \u2013 if you nail the execution, they\u2019ll likely cherish the moment for a lifetime.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"final-words\"><\/span>Final Words<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Launching an employee of the month program might seem outdated at first \u2014 but it doesn\u2019t have to be. Focus on engaging your team, offering a meaningful reward, and making the recognition moment stand out. Bring creativity and genuine enthusiasm to how you present the award, and your team will respond with the same energy and appreciation.<br \/>\n<!-- This site is converting visitors into subscribers and customers with OptinMonster - https:\/\/optinmonster.com --><\/p>\n<div id=\"om-xwggjlad5spcds5ejxdc-holder\"><\/div>\n<p><script>(function(d,u,ac){var s=d.createElement('script');s.type='text\/javascript';s.src='https:\/\/a.omappapi.com\/app\/js\/api.min.js';s.async=true;s.dataset.user=u;s.dataset.campaign=ac;d.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(s);})(document,80518,'xwggjlad5spcds5ejxdc');<\/script><br \/>\n<!-- \/ https:\/\/optinmonster.com --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>According to a recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employee separation rates remain at a notably high level. People leave their jobs for many reasons \u2014 from economic shifts to relocation \u2014 but dissatisfaction continues to be a major factor. Job dissatisfaction can stem from feeling underpaid, overworked, or undervalued. So, how can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":1596,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.10 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Boost Morale with an Employee of the Month Program<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover effective tips for launching an employee of the month program to enhance morale and productivity in your workplace.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/employee-of-the-month\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Boost Morale with an Employee of the Month Program\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover effective tips for launching an employee of the month program to enhance morale and productivity in your workplace.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/employee-of-the-month\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Zoomshift\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-01T09:08:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-30T12:46:16+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Employee-of-the-Month.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1138\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"493\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"JD Spinoza\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"JD Spinoza\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/employee-of-the-month\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/employee-of-the-month\/\",\"name\":\"Boost Morale with an Employee of the Month Program\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-01T09:08:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-30T12:46:16+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/e23c4b55eead5e752c5f361c9d670e63\"},\"description\":\"Discover effective tips for launching an employee of the month program to enhance morale and productivity in your workplace.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/employee-of-the-month\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/employee-of-the-month\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/employee-of-the-month\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Start an Employee of the Month Program (with Free Email Template)\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Zoomshift\",\"description\":\"SMB Management Blog\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/e23c4b55eead5e752c5f361c9d670e63\",\"name\":\"JD Spinoza\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zoomshift.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5a95e64e4714f0d96cfab797f042000d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5a95e64e4714f0d96cfab797f042000d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"JD Spinoza\"},\"description\":\"JD enjoys teaching people how to use ZoomShift to save time spent on scheduling. 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