Make the most of formal awards already in place.
Chances are, your company already has formal service awards. You may even have formal awards for above-and-beyond performance, sales and/or safety. Make the presentation of these awards as meaningful as possible.
Award presentations should be some of the most memorable experiences in your employees’ work lives. Done right, they will bond employees to your organization. All it takes is a little preparation, sincerity and specificity.
Check with your HR department to find out when your next employee will receive his or her service award. About a week before, spend a few minutes preparing remarks and asking coworkers to speak. Make this employee’s day special, and your investment in time and energy will come back to you tenfold.
In short, don’t wing it. This day means too much to the person being honored.