We asked columnists and editorial advisory board members of Pest Management Professional about some effective ways to recognize employees who do outstanding work. Here are some of their responses from our June 2025 print edition.
Greg Baumann
“Families also contribute when the tech has a late-night call, etc., so treat the family to a night at the local Minor League Baseball game.”
Foster Brusca
“Start a peer-nominated program where teammates can nominate someone who swooped in to help them with a tough job or went above and beyond in dealing with a challenging customer. The winner gets a small cash bonus, gift card, extra paid time off or even some special company swag. Make it fun and announce this monthly at a company meeting.”
Doug Foster
“Recognize outstanding work for customers and outstanding teamwork, helping fellow technicians and staff. Each month, our Top 3 team members with the most Google or Yelp reviews or call-in kudos get to pick from blank envelopes stuffed with $20, $10 and $5. It helps create a better team culture and fun atmosphere.”
Paul Hardy
“This reminds me of a lesson I was taught at Orkin years ago by Sam Walkup, who said ‘You get what you inspect, not what you expect.’ Checking in on the job every so often is a simple way to find your best employees in all of their assignments.”
Dr. Faith Oi
“A public thank-you and merit raise or bonus.”
Pete Schopen
“It all starts with core values and setting goals. How do you evaluate their effort if you don’t have something for them to attain? If they attain their goals using your core values, recognize them in group text chats, end-of-the-month meetings and end-of-year award ceremonies. ‘Atta-boys’ go just as far as gifts and cash rewards sometimes.”
Mark Sheperdigian, BCE
“Reward them with cool logoed apparel that can only be acquired by performance. But cash is good, too!”
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