Recognition for a job well done should be given to an employee:

Recognition for a job well done is most effective when it is given as soon as possible following an accomplishment. Timely recognition reinforces the connection between the employee's specific actions and the positive feedback they receive, which helps to motivate and encourage continued high performance. Immediate acknowledgment not only enhances the impact of the recognition but also fosters a positive work environment and shows employees that their contributions are valued right away.

In contrast, the other options represent forms of recognition that may lack the immediacy needed to reinforce the behavior. For instance, recognizing an employee at a future staff meeting or during the performance evaluation can lead to a disconnect, as the accomplishment may not be fresh in everyone’s mind. Similarly, an annual award ceremony, while prestigious, can diffuse the immediate significance of the achievement and may not provide the timely reinforcement that motivates ongoing performance.