1. Award achievements like crazy
Boston College Dining Services amps up the recognition to get ahead of burnout. Frontline associates volunteer on an employee recognition committee, which plans seasonal events and runs a peer recognition bulletin board. Each month, the department distributes a list of top achievements, shouting out teams and individuals. Highlights such as “Alexandra creates delicious Journey to Greece menu” and “Students loved catering’s trash dinner” make the list.
Boston College Dining also applauds excellence in attendance, sales and food costs each month by entering employees to win $50 at the end of the year.
At Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber in Columbus, the culinary and nutritional services employ simple gestures like thank you cards or buying lunch for team members. “You can’t only throw money around,” says Director Jason Koprivich. Sitting down with team members once a week to listen and thank them is just as important, he says.