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1 Why does an Employee Recognition Letter Matter?
An employee recognition letter matters as it shows them that you as an organization value them. Recognition letters inspire and encourage employees to continue to do better and foster a positive relationship between you as the manager and the employees.
A big part of recognition is that it needs to be consistent and written communication shows consistency. While a letter of recognition isn’t the biggest factor to have a positive effect on turnover and retention rates, multiple studies have shown that these small gestures do account for a lot in the long run.
2. Features Of an Employee of the Month Recognition Letter
2.1. Be Personal
Since, an employee of the month is selected after a review of multiple facets of an employee's day-to-day contribution, no two employees will be selected for the same reason. It is important to personalize the employee of the month recognition letter and not base it off an impersonal template version. . What you want is to create a personalized letter that makes the employee feel like he or she has a distinctive role to play in the organization. Ensure you add relevancy to how the employee’s contributions have made a great impact on the bottom line of the organization.
2.2. Go Straight to the Point
A formal employee of the month recognition letter needs to state exactly why you are writing the letter. Think of it almost akin to a certificate, where you write precisely what needs to be conveyed and nothing more. So, your opening line right after the name will go something like
I personally want to commend you for your performance on {Name of Project}.
2.3. Cite Their Achievements
The next thing you need to pay attention to is the body of the letter. Give details of their achievements that align with the kind of recognition they receive. Provide examples of the work they have done; remember you are reinforcing their actions. So, the letter is to make sure that they are inclined to repeat the action in the future. The phrases you use and the tone you use will be very important.
2.4. Explain Why It Mattered
Employees want to feel like they are making a difference and you need to use the employee of the month recognition letter to tell them why their actions are important not just as goal achievement but for the overall picture. You can let them know about how their consistent excellence in performance can help in career progression in the company. If applicable, you could mention a possible promotion or appraisal, especially if it is on the cards.
2.5. Mention How their Actions Align With the Company Values
The final conclusion should mention their strengths and any other positive attribute that they bring to the company. This closing statement is a reiteration of whatever you have stated thus far. You need to end off in a way that sounds supportive and appreciative while still remaining formal. Lines like - “we are honored to have you on board” and “Thank you for your continued contributions.” are all lines that you can use. Sign off with your name, job title, and signature.
You can also explore our article to discover companies with best employee recognition programs.
3. Sample Employee Of The Month Recognition Letter
3.1. Sample Letter of Recognition for Outstanding Performance
| Dear (Name of Employee), We are very happy to inform you that you are (Company’s Name) Employee of the month! Your (Specific attributes) have been instrumental in helping us successfully complete (Name of the project). Your dedication towards (their role in the project) elevated the (some metrics). We truly appreciate your service and hope to see you carry out more of (Type of Projects). Congratulations from the entire team at (Name of company). Thank You, (Your Name, Designation, and Signature) |
3.2. Sample Employee Of The Month Recognition Letter For Long Service
| Dear (Name of Employee), We would like to congratulate you on completing your (Number of years) with (Name of Company) We are glad to have you with us and appreciate that you have been with us for (Amount of time). Your (Traits) have been not only a great asset to the company but have also helped Your continuous efforts have been helping us every day and because of all this, you are our Employee of the Month! Congratulations from the entire team at (Name of company). Sincerely, (Your Name, Designation, and Signature) |
3.3. Sample Employee Of The Month Recognition Letter For Sales Quota Completion
| Dear (Name of Employee), Congratulations on achieving (The Sales Target). We want to extend our appreciation and Thank you for closing multiple accounts that helped reach your sales quota. It is a tough role but your relentless energy has been commendable. For this, we would like to celebrate you by naming you our “Employee of the Month”. Congratulations from all of us! Sincerely, (Your Name, Designation and Signature) |
3.4. Employee Of The Month Recognition Letter For Exemplary Customer Service
| Dear (Name of Employee), You have been running points on a number of our most important accounts and with your help, we have had a drastic fall in the number of complaints by customers. For your service, we would like to name you our “Employee of the Month”. Your handling of (The customer or Project) was a great example of how you tend to go above and beyond to ensure the best service. Your (Traits) are a perfect example of (Company's values). Congratulations from the entire team at (Name of company). Sincerely, (Your Name, Designation, and Signature) |
3.5. Recognition Letter Sample for Employee Innovation/Leadership
| Dear (Name of Employee), Your continuous (Leadership or any particular out-of-the-box initiative) has helped us as an organization over the past couple of months. You challenge us as an organization to do better. Your constant innovation and encouragement create a snowball effect. For this, we would like to name you our Employee of the month. Keep up the good work and can’t wait to see thrive in our organization. Congratulations from the entire team at (Name of company). Sincerely, (Your Name, Designation, and Signature) |
4. FAQs
4.1. What's another way to say Employee of the Month?
Other ways to say an employee of the month are, Rising Star, Above and Beyond, All-Star Employee, Spotlight Award, Company Excellence Award, and Merit Award
4.2. What are some examples of positive recognition?
Some examples of positive recognition are gifts, shout-outs, paid time off and bonuses.
4.3. How do you write an employee of the month recognition?
You should adhere to the principle of RISE when you write an employee of the month recognition letter. RISE stands for;
Regular- Ensure that you regularly recognize your employees.
Immediate- Be on time with your recognition. Reward people who are currently performing.
Specific- Provide meaningful recognition that highlights the employee's contributions.
Encouraging- Keep the tone encouraging but professional.
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