A couple of years back, we printed over 25,000 personalized award certificates for a multi level marketing company and I had the honor to experience one of the award nights in a stadium with over 10,000 people or probably even more. It felt like the place was super charged! The whole stadium was brimming with energy.
The awardees were super excited to be presented with the awards and certificates. Once back on the seat, they were proudly displaying these to their friends and families like prized possessions. Space was super tight and I was standing in a corner because there was no place to be seated and get a good view.
And then, my attention was drawn to a woman who delicately placed her expensive, branded purse on the floor, cradling the trophy and award certificate in her hands, cherishing the accomplishment she had achieved. Now I was familiar with the various levels of the awards, as we had designed them. The one she received might have occupied a middle tier in terms of the overall hierarchy, but its significance to her was evident in the way she held onto it. The value of the paper was negligible, but the value of the certificate for her was immeasurable.
“Certificates aren’t dead.. what’s dead or should be dead is its rampant use.”
It’s a common sentiment these days – Another certificate? It’s a waste of money. We’ve all seen the piles of certificates gathering dust, seemingly destined to be put away in a folder.
Are you or your team grappling with the idea of printing more award certificates and feeling guilty about the environmental impact? I’ve been there, and I understand your concerns. In my 23 years of working with thousands of companies, I’ve printed countless award certificates and certificates of appreciation, and engaged in numerous discussions about their significance.
Let’s explore the real value of certificates and why they should not be dismissed so easily.
It’s Not Just Paper, It’s the Gesture that Counts
Before we write off certificates of recognition as worthless, we need to realize that it’s not the physical certificate that holds value, except perhaps for your college degree. What truly matters is the way it is presented to you. Of course, if you have a stack of 20 or 30 certificates, you won’t display them all, and many might end up going to waste. However, this shouldn’t be the reason to label certificates as useless.
The Crucial Questions
So, the next time you’re torn between giving out certificates for an activity, ask yourself two important questions:
1. Are we going to hand over the certificates personally in front of a group of people and acknowledge their contribution?
If the answer is yes, then it’s a great idea to give certificates. Even if you know that with too many certificates, people may stash them away, the certificate has served its purpose. Group size doesn’t matter, whether it’s a group of 50 or 500, a group is a group.
2. Will the person receiving it truly value and cherish it even if it is for some time?
This time can be even a few weeks or sometimes a few months. It’s ok not every printed piece of paper can give endless joy and definitely not to everyone. Everyone reacts to receiving a recognition certificate differently. If a piece of printed certificate can bring some sense of joy, a feeling of accomplishment to a person it’s well worth it. Have you ever seen a post on linkedin where people have posted a picture of the certificate they received proudly. And how many times have you seen people posting a Rs. 500 or Rs. 1000 gift voucher on linkedin?
Printed certificates can serve as excellent conversation starters. While digital certificates are practical and eco-friendly, there are occasions when presenting a tangible certificate holds special significance. When given an award certificate or a certificate of appreciation, a select few individuals may find that it sparks meaningful discussions when they take it back home. These conversations could revolve around why they received the certificate or what remarkable accomplishments they achieved. While not everyone will experience these moments, even if they occur for just a few individuals, the value added to their experience makes the decision to invest in physical certificates worthwhile.
When Certificates Go to Waste
Imagine you’re sitting in your cubicle, and you receive certificates in the mail or with a casual tap on your shoulder – “Here’s another one for you.” Or worse still, stacks full of certificates are lying with your manager and they casually remark “I’ve got another lot from the L&D team, come and take it whenever you can.” Do people in this scenario really care? Most of the time, they don’t.
Award Certificates Still Matter
Certificates aren’t just pieces of paper; they represent acknowledgment, recognition, and achievement. While we shouldn’t inundate people with certificates for every little thing, they still hold value when given thoughtfully and in the right context. So, before you dismiss certificates as wasteful, consider the impact they can have on individuals and their sense of accomplishment. It’s not the paper that matters; it’s the sentiment and recognition behind it.
Impact on Environment
Before concluding this blog, it’s essential to discuss ways in which you can lower the environmental impact of using paper, while simultaneously keeping people happy. Here are some suggestions:
- Use Recycled paper
- Use Wood Free paper (Though sometimes this type of paper is made from polymer which is not a desirable option)
- Avoid Lamination because once paper is laminated, it can’t be recycled. We offer certificates with a single sheet of paper frame or even a folder, both super economical options.
- Reduce the size of the certificate from A4 to slightly smaller or even A5. While creating the same amount of impact, it will be easier to keep.
- Plant Trees to offset the use: So I did some math with the information I found online. If you have a more accurate way to calculate this, please don’t hesitate to reach out. At Pinnacle, we’re committed to transforming into a more eco-friendly company.
Consider this: A single tree can produce 2000-2500 sheets of A4 size, 240 gsm paper, which is three times the weight of typical 80 gsm printer paper. In essence, for every 100 certificates you print, you can contribute to planting one tree. This translates to a remarkable 25-fold positive impact for every unit of paper you use.
To sum it up, while the environmental impact of certificate printing is a valid concern, finding a balance between thoughtful recognition and eco-friendly practices is crucial. It’s not merely the physical certificate that matters but the sentiment and recognition behind it that can positively impact individuals.
Pinnacle is here to be your partner in fostering meaningful acknowledgment while prioritizing sustainability. Explore our range of eco-friendly certificate options, including recycled paper, lamination-free designs, and even contribute to planting trees to offset your paper use. Connect with us to explore how we can collaborate to create a lasting impact through awards and certificates.
