Published on: 22 Jul 2019
Last modified on: 21 May 2024
Thanks to recent lower underemployment and employment and a slight increase in turnover and worker satisfaction with benefits, we're seeing one of the most engaged times in the US workforce:
A whoppingย 34% of American workersย are "engaged" - enthusiastic, committed to work, and involved.
Workplace engagement hasn't been this high since back in 2000 when Gallup first began recording these stats.
This is exciting news; there's still room to grow. Read on to learn how custom challenge coins can reinforce company identity, praise, and honor high-achieving individuals, and commemorate service and training.
Challenge coins are high-detailed coins that serve as a token of accomplishment. They can have a more general design or a customized designย based on the area of work.
Some industries that use custom challenge coins are the corporate workforce, police, fire department, and the military - AKA, army, navy, air force, marines, and coast guard.
But other businesses and industries can still take advantage of these coins as a source of encouragement, motivation, and gratitude.
First of all, know you can use the coins however you deem fit. As general guidelines, you can use them in the police force to honor a specific division like SWAT or detectives.
The same goes for the military that wants to honor a specific branch or troop.
These coins can also congratulate well-deserved promotions and service on the job. Not to mention, retirement for soon-to-be veterans, and a symbol of welcome for new entrants.
For military, police, and firefighters, they can be a symbol of purpose and dedication to their communities and nation.
As Harvard Business Review states when it comes to motivation,ย rewards work betterย than punishment.
This is where custom challenge coins can come in. Corporate, fire departments,ย police forces, and military can use these coins as thatย reward or encouragement for motivational action.
For example, let's say you need your employees to work overtime this week on an upcoming project for a big client. Of course, you're going to pay them overtime. But what about that extra step that shows your employees you care?
How do you motivate them to work that extra hour or three the next time an important project comes around? Honoring that time spent in the office with challenge coins will not only employees feel proud but boost company morale.
The reason for more engaged workers in the US may have to do with a slightly higher increase in workers' satisfaction with tangible workplace benefits. Some tangible benefits Gallup mentions include:
Custom coins can be one more tool in companies' and departments' recognition-benefit arsenal, which can help make employees and servicemen and servicewomen feel more engaged in their jobs.
According to Entrepreneur, the online learning industry is booming. This means companies can offer employees more training that's easily accessible.
Training courses mandatory or not, challenge coins can give employees the recognition they need.
Firefighters, for example, have more job responsibilities than fighting fires. Some other ways firefighters help the community include:
Several professionalย fire departmentsย in California offer on-going training through their state's apprenticeship program.
Why not award firefighters who attend such programs with a challenge coin? What about giving them a coin for completing their a skills certificate (i.e., EMT)?
The same goes for police offers, who must undergo continual training. And what about challenge coins for new recruits who finish training courses in boot camp?
Speaking of the military... Challenge coins can also honor theย 18% of militaryย that are officers. These men and women manage operations and enlisted servicemen. Not to mention, the 82% of enlisted men and women who complete these missions and keep our nation safe.
Challenge coins can also be a bridge between law enforcement and the community. For instance, police officers can hand out coins to the public at community events to help foster community relationships.
They can also give these coins to schools when police officers come to talk to classes about their jobs. That coin could inspire children who dream of becoming an officer.
As mentioned, they're great for rewarding and encouraging motivational actions. But, as HBR states (same article), if you're trying to deter certain actions (i.e., breaking company policy,etc.) rewards may not be the way to go.
In such cases, you may want to hold off on the challenge coins. How about setting a limit on something instead?
Custom challenge coins offer a way for fire and police departments, corporations, and the military to honor employees.
They're an appreciation toolย for leaders who want to impact and inspire others.ย According to Medium, leaders can use the five love languages at the office. Challenge coins can be a part of the gift giving language.
Or be combined with a high-five or praise, checking off more love language boxes.
Ultimately, these coins are a great go-to for motivating employees and boosting company morale. Remember, you know your company/department best and will know when the best time is to use or not use the coins.
Have you used custom coins in your company or department? What did you use them for, and what was the result?
Did the employees feel more recognized for their work? What other benefits do custom coins have in the workplace?
We want to know. Comment or question? Write it in the comments section below. We'll get back to you!
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