A recognition program refers to the use of gifts, awards, trips, prizes, and other forms of merit rewards that recognize individual employees for their special contributions or length of service. Employers develop and implement recognition programs on a voluntary basis to acknowledge employees' contributions to the overall objectives of the employer.
Recognition programs may be used in addition to other bonuses and compensation programs, rather than replacing them. They are used as incentives for top job performance and to boost epmloyee morale. There are no laws governing such programs, however, federal employment laws may apply if they are implemented in a way that discriminates against a protected class of employees.
