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Recognition Plans and Additional Information

Recognition Plans and Current State Allowances

Agencies should use awards programs to celebrate employee contributions, recognize outstanding performance, and document procedures in a Recognition Plan. Below are Recognition Plan forms and samples.

Plan Development Guidelines

Agency Recognition Plan Form

Sample Recognition Plan

Recognition Allowances:

  • Agencies can spend up to $75 per employee per year on recognition events (gifts, space, food).
  • Paid days off can be used for high-level awards (like Employee of the Quarter).
  • All expenses and paid time off must be included in the approved Recognition Plan.
  • Cash or cash equivalents (gift cards, savings bonds) are not allowed.

IRS and Delaware Code Guidelines

  • IRS Publication 15 B "Cash and cash equivalent fringe benefits (for example, use of gift card, charge card, or credit card), no matter how little, are never excludable as a de minimis benefit, except for occasional meal money or transportation fare."
  • Delaware Code Title 29, Section 5950 - Employee Recognition – Establishes responsibility of state agencies to administer employee recognition programs for state employees and designates the first full week in May as Public Service Recognition Week.

State Service Awards

Employees earn a state-seal lapel pin at five-year service milestones, with agencies providing the pins — contact your agency recognition coordinator or HR Business Partner for questions.

State Employee Recognition Information | Additional Resources

History of the Program - 135th General Assembly, House Bill No. 604: An Act to Amend Title 29 of the Delaware Code by Providing for Employee Recognition Programs. Passed by the House on June 26, 1990, by the Senate on Sept. 25, 1990 and signed into law by Governor Michael N. Castle on October 15, 1990.