100+ Employee Recognition & Appreciation Award Wording Ideas

Employee recognition awards are generally awards, trophies, and plaques, given to employees who have achieved a goal, performed well, or exhibited a behavior that is worth awarding. They are often given out at company events, conferences, holiday parties, etc.

What are employee recognition awards all about? It goes deeper than a simple gift, and is more meaningful than a gift card or a trinket. It’s about making your employees feel respected and valued, and to do that you need the right appreciation award wording.

Jack Kerouac said, “One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.” This perfectly sums up what you must do to create thoughtful, effective awards. The right words are the words that communicate not only the what, but the why: why do you appreciate this person so much? And the words must be simple enough to say what you mean in a limited amount of space.

20 Types of Employee Recognition Awards:

1. Employee of the Year Awards
2. Work Anniversary Awards
3. Years of Service Awards
4. Employee Achievement Awards
5. Employee Leadership Awards
6. Sales Awards / Sales Achievement Awards
7. Behavior and Value Awards
8. Performance Awards
9. Employee of the Month Awards
10. Employee Retirement Awards
11. End of the Year / Holiday awards (i.e.- For Company Parties or Retreats)
12. Diligence Awards
13. Innovation Awards
14. Mentorship Awards
15. Teamwork Awards
16. Department MVP Awards
17. Most Creative Awards
18. Employee Accomplishment Awards
19. Attendance Awards
20. Safety Awards

1. Employee of the Year Awards

The Employee of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, dedication, and commitment over the course of the year. This prestigious award highlights not only hard work but also the values and behaviors that align with the company’s mission. Winning this award sets the recipient apart as a role model for the entire organization, showing that their contributions are highly valued.

The Retirement Symphony Crystal Award from EDCO is a perfect choice for honoring employee retirement. Its sleek, crystal design provides a distinguished look that reflects the recipient’s exceptional achievements. The award features:

• Elegant crystal construction
• Customizable engraving for personalization
• A timeless design to commemorate the employee’s accomplishments

2. Work Anniversary Awards

Work anniversaries are important milestones that celebrate an employee’s loyalty and dedication over the years. Recognizing these anniversaries is more than just marking the passage of time—it’s a way to show employees that their contributions have been meaningful and impactful to the company’s success. By celebrating these milestones, you help foster a sense of belonging and loyalty within the organization.

The Employee Appreciation Flame Award from EDCO is a great choice for commemorating these anniversaries. Its flame design symbolizes the passion and drive an employee has brought to their role. Key features include:

• Stunning flame design
• Crystal construction with a sleek, modern look
• Free engraving for personalization

3. Years of Service Awards

Years of Service Awards recognize long-term commitment and loyalty to the organization. These awards celebrate employees who have dedicated a significant portion of their careers to helping the company grow and succeed. By honoring these milestones, you reinforce the value of long-term relationships and dedication in the workplace.

The Peak Performance Mountain Trophy from EDCO is an excellent choice for recognizing employees’ years of service. Its mountain design represents the journey and perseverance an employee has demonstrated over time. Key features of this award include:

• Unique mountain-shaped design
• Premium crystal and wood combination
• Customizable with the number of years and personal message

4. Employee Achievement Awards

Employee Achievement Awards are given to individuals who have reached significant milestones or demonstrated outstanding accomplishments. Whether it’s completing a major project, exceeding performance goals, or solving complex problems, these awards are a way to recognize employees who have gone above and beyond in their roles.

The Perseverance Crystal Award from EDCO is perfect for honoring such achievements. With its bold design and modern aesthetic, it embodies the determination and success of an employee who has made a significant impact. This award features:

• Eye-catching crystal construction
• Customizable engraving for personal recognition
• A design that symbolizes persistence and success

5. Employee Leadership Awards

Leadership is about more than just management; it’s about setting a vision, motivating teams, and driving organizational success. Employee Leadership Awards recognize individuals who have shown outstanding leadership qualities, inspiring innovation and collaboration within the organization.

The Artful Collaboration Glass Trophy from EDCO is an ideal award for recognizing leadership excellence. Its graceful design reflects creativity, collaboration, and strategic thinking—core qualities of great leadership. This award offers:

• High-quality glass construction
• Elegant and modern design
• Custom engraving to highlight the recipient’s leadership achievements

6. Sales Awards / Sales Achievement Awards

Sales are the lifeblood of any business, and Sales Awards recognize employees who consistently meet or exceed their sales targets. These awards celebrate the dedication, persistence, and strategic thinking that go into achieving sales goals. Recognizing top sales performers not only rewards individual success but also encourages the rest of the team to aim for higher performance.

The Star Synergy Art Glass Award from EDCO is a stunning option for honoring sales achievements. Its artistic design captures the spirit of excellence and teamwork that sales professionals demonstrate. Key features of this award include:

• Striking art glass construction
• Customizable engraving to highlight sales accomplishments
• A modern, dynamic design perfect for top performers

7. Behavior and Value Awards

Behavior and Value Awards recognize employees who embody the company’s core values through their actions and behavior. Whether it’s showing integrity, fostering teamwork, or going above and beyond to support their peers, these awards are a way to highlight individuals who lead by example and inspire others to follow suit.

The Service Award Crystal from EDCO is an elegant and meaningful way to recognize employees who uphold the company’s values. Its classic crystal design symbolizes the clarity and strength of the recipient’s character. Key features of this award include:

• High-quality crystal design
• Customizable engraving to reflect the company’s core values
• A simple yet elegant construction that highlights the recipient’s contributions

8. Performance Awards

Performance Awards are given to employees who have consistently demonstrated excellence in their roles. These awards recognize individuals who meet or exceed expectations, showing dedication and determination in their work. Performance awards are an essential part of building a culture of recognition, where hard work is rewarded and celebrated.

The 5-Year Crystal Prism Award from EDCO is an excellent option for recognizing outstanding performance and anniversaries for employees. Its geometric design and high-quality crystal construction make it a prestigious and eye-catching award. Key features of this award include:

• Crystal prism design for a striking visual effect
• Customizable engraving to personalize the award
• A modern design that symbolizes the employee’s dedication to excellence

9. Employee of the Month Awards

Employee of the Month Awards celebrate consistent effort and excellence in day-to-day tasks. Recognizing an employee for their hard work and contributions is a great way to boost morale and maintain a culture of appreciation. It keeps employees motivated and encourages others to strive for the same recognition.

The 10-Year Crystal Prism Award from EDCO is a fitting option for Employee of the Month recognition and celebrating the 10th anniversary or significant milestone. Its sleek crystal design represents the sharp, focused effort that leads to monthly success. Key features of this award include:

• Contemporary prism design
• Crystal material for a high-end look
• Custom engraving to highlight the monthly recipient’s name and achievements

10. Employee Retirement Awards

Retirement marks the end of an employee’s career and the beginning of a well-deserved rest. Retirement Awards are a heartfelt way to honor the time and dedication an employee has given to the company. These awards are a chance to celebrate the achievements and memories that have been made throughout their tenure.

The 15-Year Crystal Prism Award from EDCO is an elegant and timeless choice for honoring a retiree. Its refined design reflects the significance of this milestone. Key features of this award include:

• Sophisticated crystal prism design
• Personalized engraving for a memorable send-off
• A timeless elegance that makes it a cherished keepsake

11. End of the Year / Holiday Awards (i.e.- For Company Parties or Retreats)

End-of-the-year awards are a great way to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and recognize outstanding employees at holiday parties or company retreats. These awards can range from performance recognition to special achievements and are an excellent way to close the year on a positive note.

The 20-Year Crystal Prism Award from EDCO is a standout option for these celebrations. Its clear, shimmering design makes it a festive and distinguished award to honor an employee's hard work. This award is the perfect way to honor a 20th anniversary or significant milestone. Key features of this award include:

• Crystal prism design with a sleek, modern look
• Customizable engraving to celebrate year-end achievements
• Perfect for holiday parties or year-end company events

12. Diligence Awards

Diligence Awards recognize employees who consistently demonstrate persistence, hard work, and reliability in their roles. These individuals are often the backbone of the organization, ensuring that day-to-day tasks are handled with care and attention to detail. Recognizing their diligence encourages others to maintain the same high standards.

The Elemental Pyramid Crystal Award from EDCO is a striking way to honor diligent employees. Its pyramid design symbolizes the strength and foundation these employees bring to the company. Key features of this award include:

• Bold pyramid design
• Crystal construction for a premium look
• Engraving options to personalize the award

13. Innovation Awards

Innovation Awards celebrate employees who think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems. These awards recognize individuals who drive change and progress within the organization, helping the company stay competitive and forward-thinking.

The Sterling Pinnacle Globe Award from EDCO is a perfect match for celebrating innovation. Its globe design represents global thinking and the big-picture mindset that innovators bring to the table. Key features of this award include:

• Elegant globe design
• Crystal and metal combination for a contemporary look
• Custom engraving to reflect the innovative contributions of the recipient

14. Mentorship Awards

Mentorship is a key part of professional development, and Mentorship Awards recognize employees who have gone out of their way to guide and support others. Whether through formal or informal mentorship, these employees help shape the future of the organization by sharing their knowledge and experience.

The Global Celebration Award from EDCO is an excellent choice for recognizing mentorship. Its globe design symbolizes the broad impact that mentors have on the careers of others. Key features of this award include:

• Elegant globe design to represent global impact
• High-quality crystal and chrome construction
• Customizable engraving to honor the mentor’s dedication

15. Teamwork Awards

Teamwork Awards recognize employees who exemplify collaboration and teamwork. These individuals understand the importance of working together to achieve common goals, helping to foster a positive and cooperative work environment. Honoring teamwork reinforces the value of collective effort and motivates others to embrace collaboration.

The Crystal Lighthouse Award from EDCO is a wonderful symbol of teamwork, as a lighthouse guides the way for others. This award recognizes those who not only contribute to their team’s success but also help guide and support their peers. Key features of this award include:

• Elegant lighthouse design
• Crystal construction for a sophisticated look
• Custom engraving to highlight the recipient’s role in team success

16. Department MVP Awards

Department MVP Awards recognize the most valuable player within a specific department. These employees consistently outperform in their area, going above and beyond to ensure the success of their team and the company. A Department MVP Award encourages high performance and acknowledges those who lead by example.

The Congratulatory Crystal Trophy from EDCO is an excellent choice for this recognition. Its unique and contemporary design reflects the prestige associated with being named MVP within a department. Key features of this award include:

• Eye-catching crystal construction
• Customizable engraving to reflect the recipient’s department and accomplishments
• A design that symbolizes outstanding performance and leadership within the team

17. Most Creative Awards

Most Creative Awards honor employees who demonstrate exceptional creativity in their work. Whether it's through innovative solutions, original ideas, or creative problem-solving, these individuals help push the company forward by thinking outside the box. Recognizing creativity encourages others to bring fresh perspectives to their roles.

The Team Perspective Award from EDCO is a perfect representation of creativity. Its unique design symbolizes fresh ideas and collaboration. This award is a great way to celebrate employees who have made creative contributions to their team or project. Key features of this award include:

• Unique and artistic design
• Crystal construction for a premium appearance
• Custom engraving to highlight creative accomplishments

18. Employee Accomplishment Awards

Employee Accomplishment Awards are designed to recognize specific, noteworthy achievements within the organization. Whether an employee has completed a major project, reached an important milestone, or exceeded performance goals, these awards celebrate significant contributions.

The Crystal Star Tower Award from EDCO is a stunning way to honor accomplishments. Its towering design represents the heights that employees can reach through dedication and hard work. Key features of this award include:

• Striking star and tower design
• High-quality crystal material for a distinguished look
• Engraving options to personalize the award for specific achievements

19. Attendance Awards

Attendance Awards recognize employees who have demonstrated outstanding commitment by maintaining perfect or near-perfect attendance. These awards show appreciation for individuals who consistently show up and contribute to the organization’s success day after day.

The Connected Gears Crystal Award from EDCO is a fitting choice for honoring attendance. Its interlocking gears symbolize the steady, reliable effort that keeps the company running smoothly. Key features of this award include:

• Interlocking gear design symbolizing dedication and reliability
• Crystal construction for a refined look
• Custom engraving to reflect the employee’s perfect attendance record

20. Safety Awards

Safety Awards recognize employees who prioritize safety in the workplace, either through adherence to protocols or by demonstrating safe practices that prevent accidents and ensure a secure work environment. These awards help promote a culture of safety and encourage others to follow suit.

The Driving Success Crystal Tire Award from EDCO is a perfect representation of workplace safety. Its tire design symbolizes steady progress, and the emphasis on safety in all aspects of work. Key features of this award include:

• Unique tire design
• Crystal construction with a sleek, modern look
• Custom engraving to honor employees who have contributed to workplace safety