How Can You Use Custom Lapel Pins for Employee Recognition? (Examples & Tips) | Bella Forge
Why Recognition Matters and Why Pins Work
Employee recognition is not just about making people feel good. It directly impacts productivity, retention, and morale. A Gallup study found that employees who feel recognized are more engaged, more connected to their company culture, and more likely to stay long term.
Many companies rely on digital shout outs or bonuses, but those do not always leave a lasting impression. Custom lapel pins offer something different. They are small, personal, and visible reminders of achievement. Worn on a uniform, lanyard, or jacket, they reinforce pride and show that accomplishments are noticed.
What Makes Lapel Pins Effective?
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Tangible and Visible | Employees can wear or display them proudly |
| Budget Friendly | Great for startups or large teams with limited funds |
| Customizable | Match branding, roles, or achievement levels |
| Durable and Lasting | Unlike gift cards or emails, they do not disappear |
| Team Building Impact | Helps build a shared culture of recognition |
Who Uses Recognition Pins?
Pins work for companies of every size. Here are a few examples:
- Retail stores that give Team MVP pins each month
- Nonprofits that recognize volunteer hours with tiered pins
- Restaurants with service anniversary pins for 1, 5, or 10 years
- Warehouses and logistics teams who reward safety milestones
- Tech startups that celebrate product launches with custom pins
- Healthcare providers who honor compassion and excellence
Whether you have 5 employees or 5,000, pins scale to fit.
5 Smart Ways to Use Custom Pins for Employee Recognition
1. Years of Service Pins
Create simple designs with your logo and the number of years. Employees wear them as badges of honor. A professional tip is to use different metals or enamel colors for each milestone.
2. Employee of the Month or Quarter
Design an MVP or Top Performer pin that rotates each month or quarter. You only need a few, but they carry big meaning. Adding the recipient name or year makes them even more special.
3. Team or Department Milestones
Celebrate group wins such as sales records, safety streaks, or production goals. Shared pins build team pride and momentum.
4. Custom Role Based Pins
Create pins for roles or certifications such as Trainer, Supervisor, or Certified Technician. These help employees feel official and trusted.
5. Recognition During Onboarding
Welcome new hires with a pin featuring your logo. It sets the tone from day one and makes people feel like they belong.
What Kind of Pin Should You Choose?
| Pin Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Hard Enamel | Smooth, polished, and ideal for formal awards |
| Soft Enamel | Bold, bright, and affordable for large teams |
| Die Struck | Timeless all metal look with no color |
| 3D Molded | Perfect for sculpted logos, mascots, or symbols |
You can also add custom backer cards with names or messages. Some companies even frame recognition pins for wall displays.
How Many Pins Should You Order?
| Use Case | Suggested Quantity |
|---|---|
| 1 year or 5 year awards | 10 to 100 per level |
| Employee of the month | 5 to 25 |
| Team milestone celebrations | 50 to 200 |
| Company wide program | 100 to 1000 plus |
Pins are inexpensive in bulk, so it is smart to order extras.
When Should You Give Out Recognition Pins?
Timing matters. Present pins when the achievement is fresh. Hand them out during team meetings, company events, or onboarding. Pair them with a certificate, a handwritten note, or a public mention. The more visible and personal the recognition, the more impact it has.
Design Tips for Recognition Pins
- Keep designs simple with a clean logo plus a few words
- Use tiers with different colors or finishes for milestones
- Think about wearability as 1 inch to 1.25 inches is ideal for lapels or lanyards
- Ask for help as Bella Forge will turn your ideas into production ready designs
Final Thoughts: Why Pins Work So Well
Recognition does not need to be complicated or expensive. A small custom pin can have more impact than a gift card because it carries meaning and pride. When people wear it, it becomes a symbol of achievement and loyalty.
Ready to recognize your team? Start your custom pin design with Bella Forge today.
Can I take My Lapel Pins on an Airplane? Find out here