You won’t find a generic “Employee of the Month” plaque hanging in our office. That’s because, in a real cleaning business, the glue that holds the team together is rarely just one person.
Instead, we’ve built a strategic recognition program that rewards multiple types of contribution—tied directly to our business goals, values, and leadership strategy. Here’s how we make it meaningful, fair, and effective.
The Philosophy: Every Award Must Map Back to Strategy
In our business, nothing is done for fluff or tokenism—and that includes awards.
Each recognition moment is connected to:
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Our MOPs (Mission Critical Operating Procedures)
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Our Annual Goals
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Our Core Values
This ensures recognition isn’t just a “feel-good” exercise. Instead, it reinforces who we are and where we’re going as a company.
The Three Awards We Use Every Month
Excellence doesn’t look the same for everyone. That’s why we give out three awards every month, each highlighting a different type of contribution:
Excellence Award
For team members who consistently operate at a high level and deliver outstanding results in line with our standards and client expectations.
Most Improved
For those who’ve shown marked progress—whether it’s bouncing back from a tough month or overcoming a particular challenge. This award proves we celebrate progress, not just perfection.
Values Embodiment
Each month, we spotlight one of our values (e.g., accountability, willingness to learn, service) and celebrate the person who lived it out best.
The Voting Process
Fairness and integrity are critical, so we use a structured system:
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Voting happens on the 20th of each month.
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A Google Form is sent to supervisors, managers, senior team members, and the office team.
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Voting is anonymous—no collusion, no favoritism.
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Votes are collated by the office team.
Important Rule:
No one can sweep the awards. If a team member wins all three categories in a single month, it only happens once. If someone wins the same award three times in a row, they sit out for a month.
This avoids a “superstar monopoly” and keeps recognition diverse.
Prizes That Actually Get Used
We’ve trialled plenty of rewards:
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Café gift cards (often unused)
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Hairdressing appointments (popular but hard to coordinate)
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Movie passes
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Fuel cards
The clear winner, time and again?
A $20–$30 generic gift card
Usable at Woolworths, Coles, Kmart, or petrol stations. Practical, versatile, and always appreciated.
Don’t Skip the Certificate
One of the simplest yet most powerful recognition tools is a professionally designed, laminated certificate.
Here’s why it matters:
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It boosts their resume.
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It shows future employers they worked in a values-driven, professional workplace.
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It spreads brand awareness and your business values into the wider workforce.
Recognition isn’t just internal—it doubles as external marketing.
Delivering the Awards
We never just send an email.
Instead, we:
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Visit them on-site or during a shift.
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Personally hand over the certificate and gift.
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Vary who delivers it—sometimes it’s a supervisor, sometimes the office team, sometimes me as the business owner.
This personal touch makes recognition meaningful and memorable.
Final Thoughts
Recognition isn’t about playing favourites or rewarding only the “perfect” cleaner. It’s about building a culture where effort, progress, and values-based behaviour are celebrated and replicated.
If you’re a cleaning business owner looking to strengthen your workplace culture, ditch the cookie-cutter “Employee of the Month” model. Instead, build a recognition system that aligns with your strategy, values, and mission.
