Thursday, January 29, 2009

Canadian Environment

Photography by Jon Benjamin

We are excited and busy here in Vancouver, getting ready to welcome the world in February, 2010 to celebrate the winter Olympics. Currently, we are working with companies preparing for the Olympics, providing made in Canada gifts, gifts made by hand, and very often, gifts that are sustainable- soulful ideas that are finely crafted and creative, reflecting the unique beauty of Canada.

Recently, an opportunity presented itself with the timing and need to provide furniture and design services for 2010 hospitality suites. With my passion for design, art and architecture, and as a proud Canadian, what a great chance to offer our customers made in Canada furniture and accessories for their Canadian experience. Not only for hospitality suites, but also for your office, home, and in hotels.

Visit our Canadian Environment page on our Oh Canada website to see just a sampling of our proudly Canadian made furniture and accessories.

Call us for more examples of outstanding Canadian designs for your office, home, hospitality suite and hotel. Design services are also available.

Here's to celebrating Canada with soul!
Janet

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Three easy ways to build genuine recognition this year

Having thank you cards on hand, ready to use, ensures the thank you won't be forgotten
The stuff of recognition - the awards, plaques, certificates, gift cards, isn’t the real recognition. The recognition comes with the thought and connection the employee feels. Meaning must be tied into the object for the award or gift to be a valued part of the recognition experience for the recipients. Employees are looking for meaning, and sincere appreciation for their personal value to the organization.

Here are 3 ideas you can start this month to ensure that you are providing recognition that works, making the most of your budget and time, inspiring and appreciating your team, and growing your company this year. Try one for three months and send me an update. I would love to hear your success.
  1. Show appreciation and say thank you to small things
    Show appreciation by genuinely saying thank you more often and to small things you would typically take for granted. Old school thinking is that you don’t have to say ‘thanks’ because your employees already know you appreciate them, or that too much praise will have them asking for a raise. It is a fact, thank you can never be said enough, especially now. Thank yous also encourage people to be focused on a positive outlook, rather than negative one.

  2. Listen, really listen to their ideas
    Communicate to your team how important their thinking is to answering cost savings issues. Listen to their solutions and improvements, and recognize their great ideas specifically. Thank them for how they are helping the company grow.

  3. Look at your existing recognition programs for their true recognition value
    Review all your tangible awards, promotional items, and incentive gifts for recognition potential. Look for ways to simplify. You don’t have to go over the top—just ensure you are sincere. For example, choose locally made items, especially if sustainability is important to you and your company. Present in person, include a brief explanation why you chose the award, how it reflects the company values, and how it reflects your appreciation for their specific accomplishment.

When it comes to sincerely recognizing your team, it doesn’t have to be a lot of work or expensive, just meaningful.

Interested in learning new insights on recognition strategies that work? Call me today at 604-730-2600. I would love to speak to you.

Sincerely,
Janet