Monthly awards honor staffers who exemplify core values
Blossom Hill’s Bravo Awards exist to honor staff members who go above and beyond in performing their duties.
It’s a unique program, because anyone can nominate someone for the honor – fellow staff members, family members of individuals, even members of the public. Also, everyone nominated is recognized in some way.
There is, however, one major winner each month, selected at random from the previous month’s nominees. These winners get a surprise visit at work and a special gift.
“We began the Bravo Awards in December 2023 as part of our initiative to be the Employer of Choice,” said Lori Inks, chief development officer for Blossom Hill. “We wanted to create an opportunity to regularly celebrate the good things happening at Blossom Hill. We’re so pleased with how the program has been embraced.”
Inks notes that the number of nominations received each month is staggering, including 139 in a recent month. This is especially remarkable given the whole of Blossom Hill has just 130 employees (some staffers received multiple nominations).
The monthly winner receives a gift basket packed with their favorite things, drawn from a questionnaire every employee fills out upon hire. “It’s a collection of their favorite snacks, gift cards to their favorite stores, and other small items,” said Inks. “A thank you note is great, but we wanted to take it a step further.” The nominator helps Inks bestow the gift basket on that month’s recipient in an impromptu surprise ceremony at the winner’s place of work..
Every person nominated also receives a little something for going above and beyond—a small goodie bad with snacks and candy.
Nominations must be tied to one of Blossom Hill’s five core values: Compassion, Teamwork, Trust/Respect, Inspire, and Integrity. Nominators explain how their choice has exemplified one of more of these values. “Reading the submissions is a heartwarming experience,” said Inks. “It shows the hundreds of ways our people make life better for others.”
To nominate someone for a Bravo Award, visit https://blossom-hill.org/bravo/.