Industry: Printer of custom labels and related products.
Tailored Label Products Inc., a Menomonee Falls-based printer of custom labels and other products, has won numerous awards for its workplace recognition programs. The company believes the programs build morale, enhance employee buy-in and ultimately play a role in its success. Mike Erwin, president of the company, says companies need to continue with their recognition programs, even during a down economy and lower sales environment.
“Can you remember the first gold star you received in grade school or the blue ribbon you earned for a science fair project? Can you remember your first winning baseball season where everyone on the team received a trophy and a trip to the Dairy Queen?
“Working in an enthusiastic and recognition-based environment sets the engagement bar even higher for business leaders in a tough economy, when finding ways to recognize outstanding performance and achievement is not as easy. Some of my business friends suspended their companies’ reward tool box as a cost-cutting measure during this recession. One said he did not want to take a bunch of flack about providing gift cards for hitting goals after a wage freeze. Another said employee feedback had already prevented her from implementing a new program that was developed prior to the recession.
“Using the troubled economy as an excuse to suspend recognition is the easy way out and may have a bigger impact on causing what I call ‘value decay.’ We set expectations to drive a culture of results and integrate rewards alongside those same expectations. “Recognition needs to be an essential part of: keeping momentum in place; remaining focused on the goals of the business; and staying true to the values and expectations of our customers, suppliers and employees. Rewards need to take on a life of their own. Now is the time to turn up the creative juices to identify clever rewards that offer a meaningful payoff. You think they will come back to work wired for more? You bet!”
Originally published in the BizTimes Milwaukee, February 19, 2010.
Originally published in the BizTimes Milwaukee, February 19, 2010.
