Best Practices from Best Companies, Part 3 of 3: Employee Recognition

It is no wonder that SAS continues to top the 2012 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list, ranking #3 on this year’s list. The software company sets aside a budget exclusively for employee appreciation and ensures that no one, including housekeeping, is left out. After focusing on Recruitment and Leadership Development this week, we conclude our three-part series on Best Practices with Employee Recognition.

CEO Award of Excellence
The CEO Award of Excellence recognizes 25 peer-nominated employees worldwide. Those selected are flown to SAS world headquarters, along with their spouses, to the company's headquarters in Cary, North Carolina. Here, they are wined, dined, and even treated to a personal tour of CEO Jim Goodnight's famous rock collection. These special few days culminate in an awards ceremony held in their honor.

Honoring Special Achievements
When the hard work of 58 employees resulted in 30 new patents for SAS in 2010 (setting a new company record), it was time to do something special. The patent recipients were honored at the annual Patent Recognition Breakfast at SAS world headquarters. CEO Jim Goodnight attended the event and personally presented each recipient with a plaque in recognition of his or her achievement.

Peer Recognition
Starfish Shout Outs are a way for employees to recognize their peers by posting kudos to the division's Sharepoint site for all to see. Peer-to-Peer Messages is another way to sing each individual’s praises. And, when in doubt, employees can always email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to ensure that a fellow colleague is recognized for their extra efforts.

Additional Recognition Programs:

• Early Bird and Night Owl appreciation
• Long-Term Service Recognition Breakfast
• Worldwide Information Technology (WWIT) Collaboration Award
• Video Communications and New Media Recognition and Rewards Program
• Housekeeper of the quarter
• Individual awards for different divisions in the company

How does your company recognize your team’s efforts?

Tiffany Barber is the Associate Manager of Marketing and Communications and guest blogger for Great Place to Work^®.

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