Question: “My manager wants to have an employee appreciation event. The problem is half the staff would be unable to attend during the workday due to the nature of the business. I suggested that we select who attends based on performance indicators. HR says we ‘can’t do that because employee appreciation is not the same as rewards and recognition.’ The HR department suggested that we draw names so everyone has a chance to attend. I disagree. Why should poor performers be rewarded?” — Nancy

Question: “How can I get across the fact that I’m very busy without seeming like I’m not a team player? I’m the executive assistant to the CEO and two partners. I’m also the CEO’s personal assistant. The attitude in my office is that I can’t be doing much since I don’t support a team.” — Anonymous

Question: "I have to coordinate an office activity or event for April. Any suggestions for an activity with an Earth Day or spring theme?” — Kathryn McQuillen

Question: “Does anybody offer employees a broad range of fringe benefits beyond the standard ones most companies offer, especially in light of the current economy? Our boss can’t really give us raises, but he would like to offer additional benefits that could be used by all employees. Is anyone aware of any benefits we could offer, (gas, groceries, etc)?” — Lyndsey Bell

Question: “My boss wants me to create an employee recognition program for our team. I have the basics, but I’m looking for other ideas (small gifts, inspiring quotes, etc.). Any suggestions on what’s worked for others? Or any ideas for web sites or other resources that can help?” -- Brenda

Question: “I am in charge of rewarding up to 150 employees at our Appreciation Day BBQ. To receive an award, employees must know the organization’s Core Values (similar to a mission statement). Any suggestions on how to test the employees’ knowledge and reward those who know the three Core Values? How can I bring up the subject in a casual environment, yet stress the importance of the topic?” — Deb

Question: "My boss never remembers that it's Administrative Professionals Week. Is it rude to send him an e-mail reminder? How do other admins make sure their bosses know it's a special week? And how are bosses showing their appreciation?"— P.D., Virginia

Question: “I need ideas and suggestions on what companies do for employee recognition on a quarterly and annual basis. We cannot do gift cards or money gifts as the employee is taxed on this.” — Joanne

Question: “I’m searching for tips on how to handle co-workers who steal, tweak and execute others’ ideas and then smile with glee when receiving recognition for it. How should I handle it? Should I keep my ideas to myself and only share them with upper management or in a group setting where I’ll receive the credit?” —Lisa

Question: “I’m looking for suggestions for outside team-building exercises for a small group of three employees. All exercises seem to be for larger teams. Our company budgets $150 per quarter for such events. Thanks.” – Susan

Question: Our small law firm has several administrative staff members nearing the top of the pay scale (both in our organization and for similar jobs in our region). We're not in a position to raise their salaries indefinitely, but we need to keep them energized and excited. Any suggestions? - Barbara DeClemente

Question: I'm helping to plan an event in April for Administrative Professionals and we'd like to create a "goodie bag" with different treats.

We’d like to include a tag with each item referencing each treat, such as a pack of Extra gum with a tag saying “Thanks for going the EXTRA mile” or a miniature Crunch bar and a note saying “You always help out in a CRUNCH.”

Has anyone done this before? Do you have any ideas you'd like to share?  -- Ann

Question: Has anyone implemented "FiSH! Philosophy" in your workplace? Other than parties and luncheons, in what ways has it been integrated into the work or workplace? What has been the employee response?  -- Lisa

Question: My company has recently gone through a series of “reorganization” changes. In the past year, we have seen at least four massive cuts in staff. The goal is to decrease size and increase productivity. After the most recent episode, we were told that there will be no more cuts. Because of the stress these cutbacks have created, morale is now extremely low. If anyone has any advice on how to deal with this or how our company can lift morale, I would love to hear it.  -- Survivor

Question: I'm responsible for planning team-building exercises for a team of eight people. Does anyone have any great ideas of things to go out in the community to do that are fun but also will teach a leadership skill?  -- Bonnie Rohrer

Question: National Boss Day (Oct. 16) is fast approaching, and we're looking for a really great way to celebrate. Our company is being sold, and most of us won't be together next year, so we want to find a really fun way to let our bosses know how much our years together have meant.

If anyone has done something in the past that was warmly received by their executives, we'd really appreciate your sharing it with us. We want to knock their socks off this year.

Last year, we hosted a cookout on the roof of our building. It was really fun, but we need something different. Please help!  -- Linda

Question: Tell us about the best holiday season party you ever planned for your office. What food, games or decorations made it memorable?

We’ll publish the best ideas in an upcoming issue of Personal Report for the Administrative Professional.

Thank you!  -- Alice Bumgarner, Editor

Question: Our firm just started a book club in January. We decided to read one book per quarter. It's August already, and getting people to join the teleconference recently for the SECOND book was comparable to pulling teeth.

I was not the person who started this club, but I certainly hate to see it end before it's had a chance to succeed. So, if any of you have ever had a successful book club in your firm, could you please share your ideas and I'll pass them on and see if they can work for us, too.

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.  -- Gwen

Question: My company has never had an official, organized system for presenting any type of employee recognition. But now, we are recognizing two employees at the same time for their tenure.

My question is: How do I actually (physically) present a trophy and certificate to employees who have reached milestones with our company? Do I make a speech for each one separately? Do I hand each person their trophy? Do I open each presentation package and hand them their certificate of recognition, then their gift certificate? I’m at a loss.

Thank you in advance!  -- Jean in Kansas

Question: I recently was put in charge of organizing an event for the staff that would have us bring in our baby pictures and guess who is in each picture. I would like to make it fun so everyone will want to participate. Does anyone have any ideas of what to say on the invitation?

Thanks!  -- Debi

Question: First of all, let me thank all of those who have given me advice in the past. My frustrations have finally been solved. All this time, I thought no one cared how hard I work and I'm awaiting an official promotion to another department.

So, keep up the hard work, everyone. Someone is always paying attention to our dedicated work ethic.

Secondly, my manager wants to boost the employee morale around here and she needs some ideas. We thought some kind of employee get-together may help. Any suggestions?  -- Anonymous

Question: I have been tasked with putting together a service awards program for our company. Since the company is not yet 15 years old, we have taken on only 5- and 10-year awards.

But the company has bought some facilities that are much older and have some employees with 30 years of service. Should we honor those employees with an award? If so, how? 

Also: What is the best way to track all of these employees' anniversaries? And what type of gifts are given for 15, 20, 25 and more years of service? We have been giving a gold watch at 5 years and a mantle clock at 10.

Any advice would be welcome. Thank you.  -- CIB

Question: What criteria (or what procedures) do other companies use to select their 'Employee of the Month' or other similar awards?"  -- Ron

Question: "I need some good employee-appreciation ideas. My company has about 500 employees who work in different departments, and we don't even recognize birthdays! There's so much to be done, but I wanted to get some other points of view first."  -- Looking for ideas in Mississippi

Here’s a painless way to boost in-house training, from Kim Thompson, executive assistant at Harris Williams & Co. in Richmond, Va.:

“The administrative staff get together once a month,” says Thompson, “and one of us will give a presentation on something that has been useful to us, or that we have expertise in, over a lunch that the company brings in for us.”

Example: One program dealt with jargon used around the office that newbies might not understand. Another month, the program tackled Excel shortcuts.

“We all sat around with our laptops and everybody got a chance to share their knowledge,” Thompson says.

Added benefit: “It also fosters work relationships.” It can grow competitive in the workplace, Thompson says, “but not here. We really have an atmosphere of sharing rather than competition.”