What is recognition?
Employee recognition is the meaningful acknowledgement and appreciation of an individual's efforts and contributions within the workplace. It involves receiving praise, acknowledgement, or rewards for dedicated work, creating a positive and supportive work environment.
Why recognition at work is important and how does it relate to employee engagement?
When employees feel valued at work, it increases engagement, productivity, and even company loyalty [1]. Employee recognition significantly impacts employee engagement by fostering a positive work environment and enhancing job satisfaction. When employees receive acknowledgement for their contributions, it serves as a morale booster, motivating them to maintain high productivity levels [2]. Regular recognition not only strengthens the relationships between employees and their managers but also encourages teamwork and collaboration [3].
The positive culture created by recognition contributes to employee retention, reducing turnover and associated costs. In the survey conducted by SurveyMoney and Bonusly [4], 63% of people who were “always” or “usually” recognised said they were “very unlikely” to job hunt in the next three to six months.
Furthermore, it provides personal, non-monetary rewards for employees’ efforts. Gallup and Workhuman research shows that when double the number of employees think they have received recognition for doing good work, there will be 9% improvement in productivity, a 22% decrease in safety incidents and a 22% decrease in absenteeism [5].
If you are looking to change, employee engagement is the key to the success of any change programme according to Kotter’s 8-step change model. Recognising employees during change can remove resistance to change and increase employees’ motivation, resulting in better results overall [6].
What can you do?
There are different ways and forms of employee recognition through engagement programmes. The impact of acknowledging and appreciating employees cannot be overstated, with even simple gestures during coffee breaks contributing to lasting positive effects. A simple phrase like, "I noticed your dedication to the last project – great job!" can resonate deeply when delivered informally. This approach not only boosts morale but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among team members.
Peer-to-peer recognition is another powerful tool that fosters a sense of belonging and community. Implementing a peer-to-peer recognition programme allows employees to actively participate in acknowledging their peers' achievements. This inclusivity contributes to a positive workplace culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. An example is we support one of our client’s internal recognition programmes featuring employee nomination campaigns, where employees nominate a colleague or a leader for being inclusive.
Asking for opinions, feedback and involvement from employees is another form of recognition. Acknowledging the importance of employees’ voices and actively engaging them in the decision-making process acknowledges the value of their input and reinforces a culture where employees feel heard. Also, recognise individuals and teams that have gone over and beyond in business priorities i.e., sustainability and innovation awards, unsung heroes, best volunteer of the year, best salesperson of the month, and safety recognition. For instance, we actively support one of our clients in their annual innovation awards, recognising employees' exceptional performances.
But most importantly, the choice of communication channel matters in today's digital age. Utilising platforms like Teams for on-the-spot recognition can have a significant impact. Publicly acknowledging achievements in a shared workspace not only magnifies positive reinforcement but also sets an example for others. Real-time recognition creates a ripple effect, fostering a culture of continuous appreciation. A successful case study illustrating this shift in culture can be found here.
If you're seeking to craft meaningful employee experiences, reach out for a complimentary 15-minute consultation to explore how we can elevate your employee engagement. Direct Link: [https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ConsultationswithNailaMir@p3connect.co.uk/bookings/]
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