Suggested Steps in Employee Recognition

Preparation & Development

1. Identify who will plan the recognition. For formal programs, it can be helpful for management to develop a diverse planning group.



2. Determine the context for recognition.


• Why is a recognition program needed? (purpose, goals)
• What needs to be recognized? (achievement, service)
• What funds are available? (if needed)


3. Get input from diverse potential recipients on their recognition preferences for meaningful recognition programs.



4. Decide on recognition strategies:


• Who gives and receives the recognition?
• What criteria will be used?
• When or how often the recognition will occur?
• How will the recognition be accomplished? (formal awards, celebrations, informal praise)


5. Develop a Recognition Program Summary Checklist

Implementation

1. Before spending any university funds on employee recognition activities or rewards, refer to FRS employee recognition expenditures policy. Determine the funding source, if any, for each type of recognition you plan to provide. Examples of authorized university funding sources include overhead, auxiliary, or designated accounts. (Funding from state and/or sponsored accounts is not allowed.)



2. Determine whether each type of recognition is compensatory (taxable) by referring to the FRS employee recognition expenditures policy. For further assistance, contact: Chunyan Pan, Tax Compliance Manager, at 520.621.1957.



3. Process any compensatory awards. Prior to presenting each university-funded compensatory award, submit a completed Recognition Award Compensation Form to FSO Operations. If you intend to provide a foundation-funded compensatory award, contact FSO for further information.