When starting a new service award program, the problem of what to do about past, unrecognized milestones always occurs. There has to be a date set as an arbitrary starting point for your new program. But what should be done for those who have passed previous length of service milestones without any recognition? Since the purpose of your new Service Award program is to demonstrate that long service is valued, it is best to initially recognize all who have reached long service milestones. To not do so may cause these people to be unhappy with your new program.
One suggestion is to designate a specific award that is called a “from the beginning” award (or something similar). You could give this award to anyone who has been with the company since it was founded. This would be a one time award.
For others, who were not with the company since the beginning, and have passed a milestone for 5-years, 10-years (etc), in a previous year, give the employee an award for their last milestone. Exceptions are any employees who will reach a new milestone in the current year.
Define the value of the awards for years of service milestone: An amount of $10 to $20 per year of service is a good starting point. However, your budget will dictate the amount you designate.
Tags: employee service recognition, length of service awards, Service Award Programs, service awards, service rewards, years of service awards