You know you want to recognize a special employee with an award. They’ve worked hard, 
they deserve it. But what do you have engraved on the award? How do you make sure the award is worded just right? This isn’t always easy. We get asked for assistance with this quite a bit.
General Tips for the Message
Keep in mind that your recipient's plaque or award will be displayed forever; on a shelf, wall, desk or bookcase. Make your message stand out.
Make sure it’s reflective of what they are being recognized for.
If your award will be announced in front of an audience; keep it short, sweet and clever.
Make it catchy and memorable, not long and drawn out.
Having a sense of humor is fine, but make it tasteful if you choose to go this route.
Read your award phrase out loud before printing it on the gift.
Always include the date the award is presented, or at a minimum, the year.
Wording will normally be centered, unless you specify otherwise.
Include your company’s logo if possible.
Use a motivational quote that is meaningful to your company or the individual.
Typical Format
|
Field Description/text |
Example |
|
(Name of Award) |
Diamond Award |
|
(Recipient Name) CAPS |
JANICE SULLIVAN |
|
(Accomplishment or reason for award) |
The true measure of success is the number of |
|
Date |
May 2012 |
|
(Company Name and/or Logo, |
Trophies2Go |
Here are a few wording examples for various types of awards.
Leadership, Service and Retirement Awards
In Appreciation of
Twenty Years
of
Outstanding and Loyal Service
to XYZ Widget Company
***
In Recognition of Your
Outstanding Efforts in Keeping
Our Systems Operational
24x7x365 in 2011
***
The difference between success and
Failure is often determined by one's
Dedication. Your undying commitment
To our company's success has
Earned you our highest esteem.
***
In Grateful Appreciation For Your
Outstanding & Dedicated Service
To The People in Your Community
***
NAME
ON BEHALF OF ALL THE WORKERS AT
Jamba Juice
WE WISH TO THANK FOR YOUR FINE EXAMPLE OF LEADERSHIP. YOU ARE THE #1 BOSS!
Sales Awards
In Recognition of Your
Outstanding Sales Performance
in Selling the Greatest Number of
Licenses in 2011
***
Congratulations On Attaining 125%
Of Your Sales Goal for 2011
***
|
THANK YOU FOR WORKING BEHIND THE SCENES TO HELP |
|
Liberty Company MEET AND BEAT OUR GOAL! *** CONGRATULATIONS TO FOR BEING THE #1 SALESPERSON IN THE WEST REGION FOR THE MONTH OF JULY AT HOME DEPOT. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! *** |
Other Award Ideas
FOR ACHIEVING THE IMPOSSIBLE AND BREAKING THE COMPANY SAFETY RECORD
Target
CONGRATULATES
Name
***
FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO OUR TEAM AND YOUR DEDICATION OF TIME,
The Eagles
WOULD LIKE TO THANK
Coach Name
FOR LEADING OUR TENNIS TEAM TO VICTORY IN
Year
My most important tip? Spend some time on the wording. The recipient has done something wonderful for your company or organization. Make it meaningful. Speak from the heart.
Note: My next blog article will be sharing with you how to get that engraving to us. Look for it on Thursday.
Blessings, Anne