An employee of the month award is a great way to show your team that you value them, but thereâs more to it than that.Â
Besides simply expressing gratitude for outstanding employee performance, a letter of recognition helps foster a positive work environment, encourages teamwork, and gives new employees something to aspire to. Plus, a company culture where everyone feels seen and appreciated is great for employee retention.
But in the digital age, most of us are out of practice when it comes to letter writing. So here are some tips for crafting the perfect employee recognition letter, followed by a few samples.
Recognizing employees for their hard work and dedication is crucial for maintaining high morale and engagement. One great way to show appreciation is with an employee of the month program. This involves choosing an exceptional team member each month and announcing their award to the entire company
To make the award extra meaningful, the employee of the month is often presented with a personalized recommendation letter from their manager But writing one of these letters can be trickier than it seems You want to strike the perfect tone—sincere without being over the top—and highlight exactly why this person deserves the award.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a thoughtful, professional employee of the month recommendation letter.
What is an Employee of the Month Recommendation Letter?
An employee of the month recommendation letter is a letter written by a manager or supervisor to officially inform an employee that they have been selected as the employee of the month.
The letter highlights the employee’s accomplishments and expresses appreciation for their contributions. It serves as both an acknowledgment of their hard work and a form of positive reinforcement to encourage continued high performance.
Recommendation letters add a personal touch to the employee of the month award. A generic certificate or plaque feels impersonal, while a customized letter shows the employee that leadership took the time to recognize their unique efforts.
Why Write an Employee of the Month Recommendation Letter?
Taking the time to write a personalized recommendation letter offers several benefits:
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Boosts morale. Receiving praise and recognition is a major morale booster for employees. It reminds them that their work matters and is appreciated.
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Encourages engagement. Employees who feel valued and acknowledged are more engaged, loyal, and invested in the company’s success.
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Supports talent retention. Feeling underappreciated is a top reason employees leave jobs. Recognition programs help retain top talent.
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Inspires others. When one employee is recognized for their achievements, it motivates their coworkers to up their game as well.
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Enhances company culture. A culture that regularly recognizes and rewards employees is associated with higher job satisfaction, productivity, and teamwork.
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Provides documentation. The details in the letter serve as a record of the employee’s accomplishments. This can be valuable for performance reviews and promotion decisions.
How to Write an Employee of the Month Recommendation Letter
Follow these tips for crafting an outstanding employee of the month recommendation letter:
1. Open with a warm congratulatory statement
Begin your letter by clearly congratulating the employee on their award.
For example:
Congratulations on being selected as [Company Name]’s Employee of the Month! I am delighted to inform you that out of all team members this month, your accomplishments stood out as exceptional and deserving of this honor.
This positive opening sets the tone for a celebratory and appreciative letter.
2. Provide context around why the employee was nominated
After the introduction, give a brief explanation of the employee of the month program and/or describe the criteria used to select the monthly awardee. This context explains to the employee why they in particular were chosen.
For example:
As you know, each month we select one team member who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, job performance, and embodiment of our company values. Out of all nominations received this month, your name stood out as exemplifying these qualities better than anyone.
3. List 2-3 specific accomplishments that led to the nomination
Avoid vagueness – be specific about exactly what the employee did to deserve this award. Mention 2-3 stellar accomplishments, successes, or contributions they had during the month.
For example:
In particular, I was impressed by your ability to increase sales by 15% last month by onboarding five new client accounts. Additionally, you spearheaded our team volunteer event at the animal shelter, demonstrating your commitment to giving back to the community.
Providing these relevant examples shows you appreciate the person’s unique efforts.
4. Describe 1-2 admirable qualities the employee displayed
Along with specific achievements, highlight admirable qualities the employee exhibited, such as:
- Strong work ethic
- Consistent optimism
- Team spirit
- Creativity
- Commitment to quality
- Willingness to help
Point out 1-2 standout qualities you noticed that helped the employee accomplish so much.
For example:
The passion, creativity, and determination you show in your work every day is truly inspirational. Your willingness to take the initiative and go above and beyond expectations has delivered outstanding results.
5. Express your gratitude
As their manager, emphasize how grateful you are for the employee’s high-caliber efforts and positive impact on the team. Let them know their contributions are making a meaningful difference and are highly valued.
For example:
I deeply appreciate everything you do for this company. Your commitment to excellence helps the entire team perform better and provides an outstanding example for your peers. We are very fortunate to have you as part of the team.
6. Congratulate them again
End your letter by reiterating your congratulations and applauding their achievement. Let them know you look forward to their continued high performance and growth with the company.
For example:
Congratulations again on this well-deserved recognition! I look forward to continuing to work with such an outstanding employee. Keep up the great work!
Employee of the Month Recommendation Letter Template
Now let’s put all these tips into a template you can use as a guide:
[Date]
[Employee Name]
[Position]
Dear [first name],
Congratulations on being selected as [Company Name]’s Employee of the Month! I am delighted to inform you that out of all team members this month, your accomplishments stood out as exceptional and deserving of this honor.
As you know, each month we select one team member who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, job performance, and embodiment of our company values. Out of all nominations received this month, your name stood out as exemplifying these qualities better than anyone.
In particular, I was impressed by [accomplishment 1] and [accomplishment 2]. The passion, creativity, and determination you show in your work every day is truly inspirational. Your willingness to take the initiative and go above and beyond expectations has delivered outstanding results.
I deeply appreciate everything you do for this company. Your commitment to excellence helps the entire team perform better and provides an outstanding example for your peers. We are very fortunate to have you as part of the team.
Congratulations again on this well-deserved recognition! I look forward to continuing to work with such an outstanding employee. Keep up the great work!
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your title]
Employee of the Month Recommendation Letter Sample
And here is an example of how a manager might fill out the template:
October 5, 2022
Jane Smith
Sales Associate
Dear Jane,
Congratulations on being selected as ABC Company’s Employee of the Month! I am delighted to inform you that out of all team members this month, your accomplishments stood out as exceptional and deserving of this honor.
As you know, each month we select one team member who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, job performance, and embodiment of our company values. Out of all nominations received this month, your name stood out as exemplifying these qualities better than anyone.
In particular, I was impressed by your ability to increase sales by 15% last month by onboarding five new client accounts. Additionally, you spearheaded our team volunteer event at the animal shelter, demonstrating your commitment to giving back to the community. The passion, creativity, and determination you show in your work every day is truly inspirational. Your willingness to take the initiative and go above and beyond expectations has delivered outstanding results.
I deeply appreciate everything you do for this company. Your commitment to excellence helps the entire sales team perform better and provides an outstanding example for your peers. We are very fortunate to have you as part of the team.
Congratulations again on this well-deserved recognition! I look forward to continuing to work with such an outstanding employee. Keep up the great work!
Sincerely,
John Richards
Sales Manager
Key Takeaways for Writing an Employee of the Month Letter
- Open with a warm, congratulatory statement announcing their award
- Provide context around the employee of the month program
- List 2-3 specific accomplishments that led to their nomination
- Highlight 1-2 admirable qualities the employee displayed
- Express your gratitude and appreciation
- End by congratulating them again and urging continued high performance
Putting thought into an employee of the month recommendation letter shows the person you recognize and value their efforts. This motivates them to continue excelling and inspires coworkers to up their game. Overall, taking the time to write thoughtful recommendation letters helps maintain a culture of recognition that boosts engagement across your entire team.
Employee of the Month Letter for Achievement
Maybe you want to recognize your employee for a significant achievement, such as a record-breaking sales quota, exemplary customer service, or an innovation that radically increased productivity. Hereâs a template for that. Just click “Make a copy” to get started.
In recognition of your outstanding [achievement], youâve been chosen as the [Company Name] Employee of the Month!Â
Your [attribute 1, attribute 2], and [attribute 3] are an inspiration to all of us. We were especially impressed by how you [something they did].Â
Without you, our team would not be where it is today, and we want to thank you for exemplifying our values of [company values].
On behalf of the whole team here at [Company Name], congratulations on being the employee of the month!
[Your Name, Job Title, and Signature]
Sample Letter of Achievement
Now, hereâs a sample letter of what this might look like filled out. Click “Make a copy” to get started.
In recognition of your outstanding customer service, youâve been chosen as the Wonka Employee of the Month!Â
Your patience, empathy, and enthusiasm are an inspiration to all of us. We were especially impressed by how you found a positive solution for one of our disgruntled customers, which led to them giving us a great review and referring us to their friends.Â
Without you, our team would not be where it is today, and we want to thank you for exemplifying our values of integrity, vision, and dedication.
On behalf of the whole team here at Wonka, congratulations on being the employee of the month!
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How to Write A Recommendation Letter for Job Employee Step by Step | Writing Practices
What is a recommendation letter?
A recommendation letter is a written message from someone that’s willing to say you’re a good employee and can vouch for your skills and qualities as an employee. These letters can come from just about anyone, even sometimes people you don’t work with.
How do I write an employee of the month recommendation letter?
Here’s how to write an employee of the month recommendation letter: 1. View the organization’s nomination protocol Most organizations have their own protocols for nominating someone as the employee of the month. Before writing your recommendation letter, consider reviewing the appropriate protocol.
How do you write an employee of the month letter?
Creating a professional letterhead can establish your credibility and ensure the correct recipient gets the letter. In the top left corner of the document, write the recipient’s full name, job title and organization on separate lines. The recipient is whoever reviews employee of the month candidates and chooses a winner.
Who is the recipient of an employee of the month letter?
The recipient is whoever reviews employee of the month candidates and chooses a winner. If a review panel decides, consider writing the name of the committee in place of a single person’s name. Another important component of a professional letterhead is the date, which goes under the recipient’s information.
