Employee-of-the-Month Award Goes to Nonemployee

Rewards and recognition are a great way to retain top talent and, in this case, a great way to make your customers happy!

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Recently, WHMY News 2 in Mount Airy, North Carolina, reported on an employee-of-the-month award that went to a resident of a local nursing home—the recipient, however, was not an employee of the home.  Shirley Bowes, a resident of the Twelve Oaks Senior Living Community, suffers from dementia. Bowes thinks she works for the community, and her husband says this helps give her a purpose.

At a recent staff meeting, Bowes was awarded employee of the month! Administrator Penny Haynes says, “This was definitely one of those times you will never forget.” Haynes added, “It reinforces why caring for the elderly is so important. I don’t think there were many dry eyes in the room!”

During the ceremony, staff members presented Bowes with a certificate and flowers, which left her speechless. Her son—a JROTC Instructor—says, “In my line of business I often get thanks for my service.” To the staff at Twelve Oaks, he added, “Today, I want to thank each and every one of you for your service. This has been a wonderful experience for Mom.” The video of Bowes receiving the award will melt your heart. Grab a box of tissues before viewing it, here.

Melissa Blazejak is a Senior Web Content Editor at BLR. She has written articles for HR.BLR.com and the HR Daily Advisor websites and is responsible for the day-to-day management of HR.BLR.com and HRLaws.com. She has been at BLR since 2014. She graduated with a BA of Science, specializing in Communication, from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2008. Most recently, she graduated in 2014 with a MS of Educational Technology.