Employers such as Asda, B&Q, Health Shield, Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury’s celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at the beginning of June with tailored recognition schemes and motivational events for staff.

Asda awarded one employee in each of its stores and distribution centres the title of ‘Jubilee Colleague of the Day’ each day between 2 and 5 June to recognise staff who worked over the bank holiday weekend. Winners received points to redeem through Asda’s reward catalogue. It also offered staff at its 27 London stores the chance to win one of six places on Lambeth Bridge to watch the Thames Pageant.

B&Q has launched Summer of Fun packs for the 33,000 staff at its 360 UK stores. The packs, including bunting, flags, disposable cameras and snack funds, were tailored for the Jubilee, the European football championships and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Over the Jubilee weekend, B&Q staff dressed up as kings and queens and took part in street parties and bake-offs. Assistant internal communications adviser Claire Morris said: “The Summer of Fun pack has been created for staff to inspire lots of fun and activity on the shop floors.”

Marks and Spencer hosted a Jubilee-themed lunch for staff at all its stores, while Sainsbury’s sponsored a boat in the Thames Pageant and held a family festival in Hyde Park.

On 1 June, Health Shield hosted a themed dress-down day when staff wore red, white and blue, as well as crowns, and took part in a bake sale and quiz for charity. Marketing manager Lara Rendell said: “There was also an afternoon tea-themed picnic outside head office."

Read more about benefits and the Jubilee