Mitzi Perdue: employee recognition through a customer's stores

Mitzi Perdue described family members arranging Subway food vouchers for company associates during the pandemic. In her account, the choice connected employee recognition with support for a customer.

The locations helped the idea work

Perdue said Subway had restaurants in the places where the company had processing facilities. That made the restaurant network relevant to the associates receiving the vouchers. She also described Subway as a buyer from the company, giving the choice another connection to the business.

A letter accompanied the benefit

She said the vouchers came with a letter from the family expressing how important the associates were. The practical benefit and the message were designed together.

In Mitzi Perdue's words

"a big gushy letter from us saying how important they were and how we valued them" (Mitzi Perdue, Mitzi Perdue's recorded family-business event talk)

How to use this

Check whether a recognition benefit is usable where employees live and work.
Write the message that explains why the benefit is being provided.

Questions and answers

Why did Subway fit the example?

Perdue cited its locations near facilities and its relationship as a customer.

What accompanied the vouchers?

A letter expressing the family's appreciation for the associates.