STARS employee recognition software for HR reward programs

Special Thanks And Recognition System 

... A word of praise goes a long way.

... Recognition motivates people.

... A simple thank-you costs nothing
These are just a few of the simple yet highly significant principles that ISDE has observed over the years working with a diverse range of organizations in the implementation of employee recognition programs.

ISDE's STARS system has helped many organizations to realize the benefits of a flexible employee recognition program, as we describe below.

 STARS HR softwrae for employee reward and recognition programs
Give your employees Special Thanks And Recognition
THE VITAL ROLE OF RECOGNITION

Recognition of special effort makes people feel good about themselves, their work, colleagues and employers.

In this mode, your employees are more likely to go the extra mile:

the program benefits become self-perpetuating
 - it's enshrined in the culture.

There is nothing new about the rationale behind motivation through employee reward and recognition programs. Various methods have been used to help motivate people in the workplace to achieve goals, reach targets and generally enhance performance. 

The STARS recognition process, however,  embraces and administers a new approach. The difference lies in the recognition of valuable behavior, behavior that organizations wish to encourage but which may not be immediately apparent.

This encompasses a wider spectrum of “softer” traits, less visible, less easily defined, such as dealing with customers in a sensitive way, or evidence of working selflessly but effectively as a team member...

MOTIVATIONAL ASPECTS OF RECOGNITION

Successful companies have learned the benefits of recognizing their most valuable asset - their people. A balance of formal and informal recognition, rather than counter productive criticism, keeps employees motivated and happy. 

Employee behavior is driven by purpose, from the achievement of a financial goal to an emotional state of happiness. Tangible, token gifts can play a part in driving and directing behavior but it is the associated feeling of being genuinely valued that has more impact. 

Success is maximized when this recognition is part of a well-run formalized program, rather than spasmodic, ad hoc and inconsistent

FLEXIBILITY

There are a number of factors to be considered in employee recognition, including:

  • the type of behavior
  • the character of the person
  • the nature of the business
  • the culture of authority in the organisation
  • whether recognition is a one-off or cumulative
  • Individual or Team Recognition

STARS has the flexibility to deal with all of these issues and also offers something much more responsive and accommodating than a traditional, rigid “employee of the month” concept, ensuring your program remains dynamic and relevant.

Furthermore, because of the way the product has been designed STARS can be tailored to match whatever process an organization wishes to adopt, maintain, or develop. ISDE can also help you to put together the process that is right for you, if you are starting from scratch.
BENEFITS OF AUTOMATION WITH STARS

To implement such a worthwhile concept may seem daunting.

  • How can people’s efforts be acknowledged in a fair way?
  • Who will decide on the type of recognition?
  • How can all the intricacies involved be recorded and managed?

The STARS system comprises three key functions:

The Culture of Recognition Made Easy

Software specifically tailored for the process makes it easy for any employee to nominate another to be recognized, without having to spend time raising paperwork or finding the right person to speak to.

Modular Software for Flexibility

ISDE has designed modular software that specifically addresses all the administrative requirements of successful recognition programs that recognize employees’ special efforts. STARS is optimized to suit the process that fits your particular company or organisation and designed to easily integrate organisation-wide recognition.

Time Saving Functionality

STARS optimizes returns by automating the high cost low value activities. For example

  • Recognition any employee has received can be tracked at the touch of a button.
  • Everybody in the loop is sent a personalized letter at each stage.
  • Gift and point schemes can be managed more efficiently.
  • Workflow and reminder system so that next activity is always visible. 

STARS’ efficiency enables a quick response and decision following the initial request. A thank-you needs to be immediate.

Formalization

Every action is formally recorded to ensure you have the information at hand when you need it. Careful monitoring also ensures an even-handed approach across an organisation, which can otherwise cause your program to fall into disrepute.

Tracking and Monitoring

Through the STARS system, nominations, assessments and further progress associated with employee recognition are tracked from start to finish.

Both qualitative and quantitative records can be maintained - showing over a period of time the volume, frequency and type of requests for recognition relating to both nominees and nominators. With records well maintained, a history is built up relating to those receiving and submitting requests.

Search Facility and Reporting

STARS provides integrated, standardized or ad hoc graph and text reporting functions. Management information can be used to support any aspect of the process. For example: 

  • level of recognition achieved 
  • which areas of your organisation are giving recognition ...
  •  ... which are not 
  • levels of recognition given over a period of time

Intranet and Internet Enabled

STARS is also intranet enabled. Requests can be imported directly into STARS from your intranet site, thus eliminating the need to re-key information. 

Matrix Driven Scoring

Matrix driven scoring, makes it easier to measure value-driven achievements. Scoring also helps your system to be consistent and fair.
BENEFITS OF ISDE EXPERIENCE

 ISDE has worked with many, diverse organizations on the issues of recognition implementation. The key benefits to ISDE’s customers of this experience and knowledge are:

  • ISDE's experience brings awareness of the potential problems, enabling you to avoid them
  • STARS has the flexibility to automate and help manage whatever recognition process an organisation wishes to adopt, maintain or develop.
  • The software is tailored specifically to meet the needs of your recognition program
  • The software is open to modification, flexible to change or unusual detail

ISDE ADVICE AND SUPPORT

Before beginning to set up a STARS based system for a client, ISDE ensure they understand the workplace, its objectives, requirements and existing communications channels. ISDE will run a workshop to help you get the best out of your process allowing you to capitalize on ISDE’s wealth of experience in employee recognition .

With a clear, common understanding between ISDE and client, detailed attention is then given to human resources needed, and the structure and culture of the organisation or company will then be considered. 

Making it work ...

At this point, with the hard work out of the way, ISDE consider the supporting workflow, and will normally be able to offer a closely matching system from previous experience to use as a reference point for exploring ideas. A full system will be completed in just a few weeks...

Returns on Investment

Key to achieving value from your Employee recognition program is ensuring the design of the right process supported by the right system. Moreover, as a long-term investment, the software must be adaptable and easily modified to meet any changes in requirements, culture or technology that may occur. As your organisation grows, your requirements will change and it is vital that your system can grow easily with you without incurring onerous costs. ISDE ensure that you have a future-proof system that can be modified but will not require expensive add-ons and upgrades.

Focus On The Goals ...

  • Well directed motivation has a positive impact on both aspiration and competence.
  • Recognition of a special individual or team contribution is key to successful motivation.
  • A well motivated, happy workforce ultimately achieves greater success for the business or organisation.

THE TENETS OF RECOGNITION

To sum up, recognition must be appropriate, timely and responsive. It must also be sustainable to maintain the positive impact it has on morale, attitude, individual and team performance, wider productivity of a department, and ultimate success of a business or organisation.

The STARS solution will ensure your system meets all these key criteria - and more 

 

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