Employee recognition gifts show staff appreciation

Security company’s small gestures make a big impact

By Jacki Averkamp

Interview Featuring

Meredith Rutledge

Sunstates Security

marketing director

In fact, 87% of employees opens in new window feel that meaningful recognition impacts their job satisfaction. It’s a concept Sunstates Security opens in new window has fully embraced. A nationwide security solutions provider, Sunstates Security provides services for companies in high-rise buildings; museums; ports; residential communities and more. And employee recognition gifts let each team member know their above-and-beyond work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Meredith Rutledge, marketing director, shared how Sunstates Security uses promotional products to show appreciation, boost morale and increase team engagement. These meaningful connections make all the difference across its nationwide team of thousands.

Q: How does the employee appreciation program work?

A: We have appreciation cards that are given to employees for a variety of reasons. For example, we might hear that somebody grabbed a mop on a rainy day and cleaned a floor even though that’s not part of their duties. Or maybe they covered a shift last minute to help somebody out, or they might have assisted in an emergency medical situation or a natural disaster. There are lots of ways to earn an appreciation card.

Q: Are they physical cards that are given to employees?

A: Yes, they are small cards that have messages like “Congratulations” or “You’re awesome.” Our managers visit the sites often and deliver the cards to the employees in person.

Q: What happens with the cards?

A: When an employee earns a card or cards, they can exchange them for promotional items. Some items can be exchanged for just one card. Other items might take five or six. We offer things like duffel bags, tumblers, Bluetooth^® speakers, blankets and lunch bags. People get really excited. I ship about 100 items out to employees every few months.

Q: How else might an employee earn a promotional item?

A: When somebody starts at a new site, we have an employee welcome gift there waiting for them. We put all kinds of products, like flashlights, notebooks, keychains, power clips and travel kits, into a tote bag. We want them to know we’re excited for them and want them to feel valued right from the start.

Q: Why choose branded items for these gifts?

A: I love having our logo on everything. It’s a nice, gentle reminder for the employees. When they’re using their bag or whatever product it is, it’s a reminder that we value them. Hopefully they’re proud to use something with our logo on it and show people they work for our company.

Q: Why is this program worth the work that goes into it?

A: The nature of security work can be demanding and requires constant vigilance and attention. Our company’s success is fueled by the dedication and commitment of our team. We have more than 6,000 employees across the country. We really try to treat our employees well. They’re the heart and soul of everything we do. Without those officers working third shift, working holidays and really going above and beyond their duties, we as a company wouldn’t be where we are.

We do everything we can to recognize them and make them feel appreciated. We want to show them they are part of our growth. Every time they put on their uniform and go out to do what they do, it means a lot to us.

Q: What benefits do you see for Sunstates Security?

A: Giving employee recognition gifts has a positive impact on team morale and motivation. The security industry has a very high turnover rate, but our retention is higher than a lot of other companies. Doing these little things might not sound like much, but employees notice. It helps set us apart, along with many other things that we do. But showing appreciation is a key component of our growth and success as a company.

Trademarks