Funny Employee Awards in the News

As Christmas office party planning kicks into high gear, the elite main stream media knows where to turn for accurate and insightful commentary. When that doesn't work, they turn to me. Here are a few articles out this week:
Cut the Budget (but not the Humor) at Your Holiday Party
Incentive Magazine - November 04, 2008 This article is especially good, probably because I wrote it. Read about choosing employee award recipients, presenting the awards, and hiring a comedian to host the ceremony...

Sure, you could gather everyone together in some conference room and hand out plaques reading "Best Salesman" or "MVW" (Most Valuable Worker), but where's the fun in that? Funny awards give thanks while simultaneously making sure everyone has a good time. Your employees don't want to sit through a dry presentation any more than you want to give one. We all suffer enough at our jobs without the supposedly "fun" times adding to the misery.

How to party without usual holiday office party
Associated Press - November 04, 2008 This article includes some office Christmas party cost-cutting tips from yours truly...

Many companies are also moving the party to January, when the holiday rush has passed and planners can negotiate better rates, says Larry Weaver, who runs a Durham, N.C., entertainment agency that books talent for corporate functions.

"You're already over the stress of the holiday and it gives you something do after the holiday. And the restaurants and catering companies are willing to make a deal," says Weaver.

Personalized Recognition Is ‘Priceless’
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) - November 2008 You'll need to be a SHRM member to access this article, but it's a fantastic article on presenting employee awards...

Unfortunately, many companies lump length of service awards with all of the other awards given during an end-of-year celebration, says Larry Weaver, a Durham, N.C.-based professional comedian who has hosted many awards shows. “When you're just rattling off a laundry list of award recipients, it loses the effect of making anyone feel special.”

Weaver’s advice: “If you're going to give out length of service pins or other gifts, give them on the anniversary date and let the entire company know. You can then acknowledge those people again at the end of (the) year.”

Funny Awards for Employees

Larry Weaver is a professional comedian and author of "Funny Employee Awards, Your Complete Guide to Organizing a Humorous, Entertaining and Rewarding Recognition Ceremony." The book offers 101 printable awards certificates along with tips on throwing an economical and motivating company party. Weaver drew from his nearly 20 years experience as a corporate comedian to create the awards. Visit www.FunAwards.com