Employee appreciation is for everyone. How about a weekend event or even splitting the event into two separate times chosen to cover everyone on one day or the other. We have actually had 3 separate nights for out holiday event since we are a 24/7 operation. That way evey graveyard shift could arrange to attend. Employee appreciation events take a lot of planning and creativity. But one thing you don't do is leave someone out - just not appreciating the employees. There is no reason to create discention. This should be a fun time for everyone.

Is there a reason why you can not have the "employee appreciation" event in two shifts or different days so that everyone can have a chance to attend?

That would be cruel to leave someone out of the event. They are all employees and if their performance is not at par, then eventually it will be noticed. Appreciation parties is a morale builder and motivates the good employees to perform more. The underperformers will feel the unity and may even feel a little guilt changing their attitude of realizing they are part of the big picture. Alot of companies are cutting back and these little things make up for the extra workload and limited pay.

I agree with all of the above. You must remember employee recognition is for everyone, even the bad performers. You cannot single anyone out. Just think how the poor performers would feel -- I think they might even start performing even worse!

I left something out, I would talk to your manager about either holding the event @ staggered dates/times so EVERYONE has the opportunity to attend. Or scrap the whole idea. Why hold an event that is supposed to be for employee recognition but only a select few get to attend?

I suggest working it out so that everyone can attend - by having 2 separate events or whatever it takes - or forget it all together. To even think about picking and chosing would be asking for major problems.

I think there might be a misunderstanding between "choosing" people to attend, and the reality of working in a setting where it is not feasible for everyone to attend due to situations like patient care where it is truly impossible for everyone to pick up and go. Having more than one event or trying your best to include everyone by choosing a time when most staff are available to attend is a fair compromise. Anyone who works in a setting like Nancy is talking about realizes that it is the nature of the business and that normal rules do not apply.

I agree with HR regarding not picking attendees based on performance indicators. Employee recognition events are for ALL employees, not just the top performers.

Is there anything that can be done that doesn't involve the employees having to be there, such as giving certificates to local restaurants or movie theaters?

I agree with the posters who say that everyone should be included. The fastest way to destroy morale for everyone, exemplary as well as poor performers, would be to leave some people out. Leaving someone out is vindictive and hateful. Is that what your company is about?

I agree with everyone being invited. Our company holds a cook-out during shift changes and it works out great! Everyone makes it and the ones that are scheduled off that day always come in to eat free food. We don't always pass out certificates or gifts but the employees do not have to buy or pay for any food for the event, and that is saying a lot these days. Before we eat, our manager says a few words on how he appreciates everyone and what a good job we are doing and the rest is spent eating and relaxing. All the managers/supervisors cook the food on our company grill outside in the back of the building and the side dishes are catered. It's great and appreciated!