How are you rewarding employees?

At Gregerson's Foods in Gadsden, Ala., outstanding employees are named Associates of the Month and receive a silver name tag with that title and the month and year of the award. They wear the tags as long as they work for the company. Winners' names are also listed on plaques at each store.

At Unitog, an industrial uniform business in Kansas City, Mo., top executives visit each plant to present the Wonder Worker Award to an employee nominated by co-workers. The Wonder Worker at each location receives cash, a personalized plaque on display at the plant for the entire year and a crystal trophy with the Unitog logo embedded inside. A typical award for a quarterly winner might be a Unitog sweater and a day off with pay.

Blue Cross/Blue Shield Association, Chicago, gives "People Are Tops" awards, which include balloons tied to the person's desk and a song or message delivered by a person in a gorilla suit. The company also recognizes outstanding employees four times a year with "Superstar" awards, which include a $500 savings bond.