At SHRM 2014, many of the HR managers we talked with said that they have been reluctant to change or evolve their recognition programs, citing a number of different reasons. Oh, change, why are you such a problem?!

After working at Baudville for over a year and a half now, recognition has become second nature to me. It's everywhere I look, from our catalog, to our own company events. Now I will be the first to admit, I didn't see the value in recognition until I started working here. I have had other jobs where recognition wasn't a big deal – but that's what I was used to so I didn't really think about it. 

Monday was Baudville's annual company picnic, an event in which employees bring their significant others, friends, and family. It is a great opportunity for everyone companywide to mingle and meet the families and friends that they hear so much about at the office.

This year Baudville took us out to the ol' ball game! They rented out the Pepsi Stadium at 5/3 Ball Park so we could have a great view of our local minor league baseball team, the Whitecaps. I love baseball so I was excited that the picnic was at the ball park this year!

Baudville provided us with food and refreshments along with entertainment for the kiddos. There was a balloon animal artist off to the side constructing whatever their little hearts desired. I saw everything ranging from ninjas and snacks to flowers and hats being made. There was also face painting, which is always a hit with children—the  trick is getting them to sit still long enough to construct a masterpiece.

Just after the start of the ball game several items were raffled off. I was lucky enough to win a $10 gift card to John Ball Zoo. I was thrilled to win because I usually never win anything! Other winners received casual days, lotto tickets, and gift cards to local restaurants and other local retailers. Baudville never skimps on the giveaways.
I had a great time and it looked as though everyone else was having a blast as well. Baudville also brought some luck to the Whitecaps and they won over the Burlington Bees 2-0! I think I can speak for the whole company when I say Baudville knocked this year's company picnic out of the park!

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Krista is the 'ville's Web Marketing Coordinator. She came to us in 2012 as part of our stellar Sales team.
Using her experience with Baudville customers, she helps create an online experience we're sure you will enjoy! Being the chatterbox she is, she truly misses talking with all of you so don't be shy and drop her a line!

Baudville is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan . If you've never been to Michigan's west coast in the summer, I highly recommend it as a summer vacation destination. We've got some of the best fresh water beaches, great dining, and some fantastic boutiques!

Given that it's so awesome outside, it's not easy to spend the few weeks of sun and fun that we have sitting behind our desks! Much to our surprise, a few weeks ago our CEO announced that we are going to pilot a summer hours program in order to enjoy a little more outside time with our friends and loved ones!

Our SHRM booth team continues to download their learnings from this year's annual conference, and the next big takeaway is that everyone is tired of the same old, same old. Managers are tired of giving worn out, dated recognition, employees are bored of receiving it, and HR leaders are exhausted cheerleading for it.