5 Things you need to Know about Employee Recognition

Picture this: a bustling office filled with employees who radiate enthusiasm, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to their work. What's the secret behind such a vibrant and productive atmosphere? The answer lies in the transformative power of employee recognition.

In this captivating blog, we will embark on a journey that explores the profound impact of recognition within the workplace. From understanding its importance to implementing effective programs and measuring their success, we will uncover the keys to creating a happy, healthy, and successful work environment.

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Why Employee Recognition is important?

Employee recognition is the cornerstone for nurturing a positive work environment. When employees feel genuinely valued, their engagement and motivation amplify, leading to improved job performance and increased job satisfaction. Recognition can take various forms, ranging from simple expressions of gratitude to more formal programs that reward employees for their accomplishments. Regardless of the approach, recognition fosters a sense of connection between employees and the company, forging greater loyalty and commitment.

Here are some statistics of how important recognition is:

• Business productivity increases by 31% when employees are happy.
• Recognition improves employee engagement, resulting in an improvement of job performance and achieving business value, according to Deloitte. Recognition increases employee engagement, productivity, and performance by 14%.
• A recent report on employee recognition stats found that 92% of workers are more likely to repeat a specific action after receiving recognition for it.

Plus, employee recognition plays a pivotal role in fostering a positive and productive workplace culture. When employees feel valued and appreciated, their engagement and motivation soar, resulting in enhanced performance and heightened job satisfaction.

What happens when you recognize employees?

Imagine a snowball rolling down a snowy slope, gaining momentum with every revolution. Similarly, effective employee recognition sets in motion a powerful snowball effect that propels increased engagement and motivation among team members. As employees feel increasingly appreciated and valued, they become emotionally invested in the success of the organization. This heightened commitment translates into enhanced performance and increased productivity, fueling a cycle of success.

The power of recognition lies not only in its initial impact but also in the continuous reinforcement it provides. A positive feedback loop is created, where employees, fueled by recognition, strive to maintain exceptional performance, resulting in even more acknowledgment and motivation.

Here are some statistics that back it up:

A recent survey found employee recognition was most important to 37% of employees. Teams scoring in the top 20% of engagement experience 59% fewer turnovers. Approximately 34% of US workers feel engaged. 53% of workers in the US are not engaged, according to Gallup’s employee engagement statistics.

How to Introduce an Employee Recognition Program?

💡 Employee recognition programs benefit organizational values, according to 83% of HR leaders, and 85% say they positively affect organizational culture.

Introducing a new employee recognition program requires meticulous planning and execution. To begin, it is crucial to involve employees in the process by soliciting their feedback on the types of recognition they find most meaningful. Conducting surveys or organizing focus groups can help gather valuable insights. Armed with this understanding, you can design a program that effectively meets employees' needs.

When launching a new program, clear communication is vital. Ensure that employees comprehend the program's purpose, mechanics, and the types of recognition they can anticipate. Utilize meetings, emails, and other communication channels to disseminate this information. Additionally, it is imperative to provide comprehensive training to managers and supervisors on utilizing the program effectively, emphasizing the importance of consistent recognition for employees.

How to measure the Impact of Employee Recognition Programs?

Measuring the effectiveness of employee recognition programs is essential in assessing their impact. Several metrics can be utilized to gauge the influence of recognition on employee engagement and performance, including:

1. Employee feedback: Seek input from employees regarding their perception of the program and its effect on their motivation and engagement.
2. Performance metrics: Monitor key performance indicators, such as productivity or sales, to identify any correlation between recognition and performance.
3. Retention: Keep a close eye on employee turnover rates to determine if recognition contributes to increased loyalty and commitment.

The Do’s and dont's of Employee Recognition

Countless studies consistently affirm that employee recognition exerts a profound influence on employee performance. When employees feel valued and appreciated, their engagement and motivation surge, resulting in enhanced job performance. Additionally, recognition fosters a positive work environment, propelling improved teamwork and collaboration.

How to do it?

Here is the data to back up:

• There are many ways in which you can recognize employees besides just money. In fact, 65% of employees prefer non-cash incentives.
• According to employee surveys, 65% strongly agree that both merchandise and travel awards are remembered longer than cash payments.
• One survey found that 47% of employees want to receive a reward spontaneously. The same study found that 38% of employees wanted to be rewarded for their good work.

The Do's of Employee Recognition

1. Make each employee feel special: Take the time to make each employee feel valued and appreciated.
2. Offer personalized perks: Tailor rewards and benefits to suit individual employees' preferences and needs.
3. Show honest appreciation for a completed task: Acknowledge and express gratitude for the effort and accomplishment of each task.
4. Launch an employee recognition program that reflects the company culture: Create a recognition program that aligns with your company's values and beliefs.
5. Be fair when it comes to employee recognition: Ensure that recognition is given fairly and equally to all deserving employees.
6. Be proactive in recognizing your employees: Take the initiative to recognize and celebrate your employees' achievements.
7. Explain why you chose to recognize specific employees: Communicate the reasons behind recognizing specific employees, making them understand why they are valued.
8. Recognize teams as well: Acknowledge and appreciate the collaborative efforts of teams.
9. Make employee recognition public: Share the recognition and accomplishments of employees openly, highlighting their achievements.

The Don'ts of Employee Recognition

1. Don't forget that your employees are your best asset: Always remember to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of your employees to the success of the business.
2. Don't launch competitive games: Avoid creating a competitive environment that could hinder collaboration and teamwork.
3. Don't forget to reward any kind of contribution to the business: Recognize and reward all types of contributions, big or small.
4. Don't set the bar too high: Ensure that recognition is attainable and reasonable, avoiding unrealistic expectations.
5. Don't forget to reward team efforts: Acknowledge the collective accomplishments of teams and provide recognition accordingly.
6. Don't ignore your employees' hobbies: Take into account your employees' personal interests and hobbies, and reward their hard work with personalized perks.
7. Don't forget to make employee recognition fun: Infuse enjoyment and excitement into the recognition process to create a positive and engaging experience.
8. Don't forget to encourage your employees, even though they haven't delivered exceptional results yet: Motivate and support your employees, even when they are still progressing towards exceptional results.

Employee recognition is the key to motivating and engaging employees in the workplace. To cultivate a sense of engagement and loyalty, it's crucial to show employees that their work and contributions are highly valued. Remember, your employees are your most valuable asset, so taking care of them is essential!

Besides, employee recognition stands as a critical element in creating a positive and productive workplace culture. When implemented effectively, recognition triggers a snowball effect, igniting heightened engagement, motivation, and performance among employees.

Ultimately, employee recognition is essential for cultivating a happy, healthy, and thriving work environment that drives success.

Do you want to start today?

Start using Evergreen today, the employee recognition software for Slack and Teams that will help you to boost your employee’s morale while creating a culture of appreciation while also helping the environment.

Book your demo or find the case studies of the companies using the platform and see their results.

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