• Shows why much of the billions of dollars currently spent on recognition are wasted-and how to redirect those efforts to make a real difference
• Goes beyond the superficial to discover what employees really want, and offers low cost strategies for creating employee recognition programs that really work
• Full of practical examples from successful companies around the country including: FedEx Freight, Cisco Systems, Immunex, Wells Fargo, Griffin Health, Xilinx, The Container Store, Pella Windows & Doors, Graniterock, Athleta, Design Octaves, JM Family Enterprises, and Plante & Moran
• While most books on employee recognition are written for HR program developers, this book shows that recognition is something that can, and should, be practiced by every employee every day

Make Their Day!: Employee Recognition That Works is designed to help anyone interested in improving recognition by spending less money to obtain better results.

Billions of dollars are spent on recognition each year. While recognition is important because it improves morale and productivity, most of the money spent is wasted because the people in most organizations still don't feel recognized. Employees want something very different from the plaques and awards that most companies rely on for recognizing their employees' contributions. This book reveals what employees really want---and shows how everyone within an organization can contribute to the process of offering meaningful recognition.

"Please, not another T-shirt!" This is a common cry among employees. Make Their Day! shows what employers and employees each expect from recognition and why most recognition misses its mark Ventrice shows that to be effective, recognition must be built directly into the work and the workplace. She outlines the key principles of effective recognition: trust, purpose, opportunity, and respect, and explains why good working relationships are at the core of all effective recognition.

Make Their Day! details simple concepts that can be easily applied to any work environment and provides numerous ideas about how readers can use the information in their companies.

Teaching through example, Make Their Day! offers numerous real-life examples and illustrates best practices of exemplary companies including:

• FedEx Freight
• Graniterock
• Pella Window and Door
• Plante & Moran
• The Container Store
• Microsoft Great Plains Business Solutions.

"For years I've said the key to developing people and creating great organizations is to catch people doing things right. In Make Their Day! you'll learn how to best recognize others for their contributions."

"The first time I've seen this issue so sharply articulated, with real solutions to a very basic need. We all need recognition; but only if it is genuine and individual to each of us."

"Anyone who manages anyone should read this book. If you're going to spend time (or money) on rewards or recognition, you might as well get maximum return on your investment. Follow Cindy's suggestions and there's no doubt you'll do that. You'll have engaged, happy employees who want to stick around and do their best for you!"

Cindy Ventrice is a management consultant and workshop leader based in Santa Cruz, California. A consultant since 1984, she has had the opportunity to work in a wide range of industries, including technology, nonprofit, government, health care, manufacturing, service, trade, education, and tourism.

Make Their Day!: Employee Recognition That Works
By Cindy Ventrice
ISBN: 1-57675-197-X
Paperback Original: $18.95
Number of Pages: 210
Publication Date: June 2003
Published by Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.