Recognition Programs
Employee recognition programs reward employees for a variety of reasons, from performing their daily jobs well to going above and beyond the call of duty. Below you will find information about the authorized statewide Merit Award Program as well as examples of programs developed by departments. Obtain the necessary approval within your department before conducting formal recognition activities.
Statewide Authorized Programs
Merit Award Program
The Merit Award Program was established by the California Legislature in 1950 as an incentive award system to recognize employee contributions to state government and its operations. This recognition awards program is authorized for all state departments and each department has a Merit Award administrator.
Employee Suggestion Program
A formal system for rewarding employees who submit ideas that reduce or eliminate state expenditures or improve the safety or operation of state government.
Superior/Sustained Accomplishment Awards
These awards are for a performance resulting in an exceptional contribution to state government and are excellent tools for recognizing deserving individuals and teams. Many state agencies hold an annual awards ceremony to acknowledge their outstanding employees and increase employee morale.
Medal of Valor
The Governor's State Employee Medal of Valor is the highest honor California bestows upon its employees. In a public ceremony, gold or silver medals are awarded to state employees who risked their lives to save others or state property.
25-Year Service and Retirement Awards
This program was established by the legislature to recognize state employees who have completed 25 years or more of state service. There are two types of awards. The Service Award recognizes employees who have completed 25 years of state service. The Retirement Award recognizes retiring employees who have completed 25 years or more of state service.
Department Programs
The following are examples of employee recognition activities from department programs which can range from simple reoccurring appreciation activities to complex nominations and award ceremonies.
Anniversary Certificates
Presentation of a certificate to employees for milestone anniversaries (e.g., five, ten, fifteen years of department or state service).
Appreciation Breakfast
An annual breakfast hosted by the management team to show appreciation to staff for their contributions to the department.
Director's Annual Recognition Program
During an annual nomination period, managers and supervisors may nominate eligible employees for achievements in the prior fiscal year.
Eligible employees may be nominated for one or more categories. The award recipients may be selected by the director or by an executive committee. The director presides over a ceremony to acknowledge all award recipients. Employees and teams are recognized for superior performance in various award categories:
- Performance Excellence
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Organizational Enhancement
- Customer Service
- Superior Accomplishment
- Partnership
Holiday Open House
Cookies and hors d'oeuvres hosted by the management team to show appreciation to staff for their contributions to the department.
Monthly Kudos Award Program
Kudos are submitted to the employee's manager or supervisor by peers or customers. On a monthly basis kudos awards are presented to employees during an informal unit meeting and then displayed in a common area. Recipients receive the kudos award after one month of display.
Service Excellence Awards
Nominations are submitted by peers, managers, supervisors or customers. Nominations may be made if an employee goes above and beyond their normal duties, demonstrates and practices innovation and process improvement, or provides excellent customer service. The employee's division reviews the nomination and makes a recommendation to the director. The director makes the final decision.
