Effective Employee Recognition: High Impact at a Low Cost

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To everyone’s benefit, today’s typical workplace is no longer viewing employee recognition as a bonus but a necessity. According to World at Work’s survey, 88 percent of companies already have staff recognition programs in place, ranging from bonuses, gift cards, or employee of month award.

However, these methods may no longer be enough, and many view them as inauthentic and overused. Every company can benefit from upping their employee engagement, so it’s in their benefit to think of other ways of showing appreciation for their staff.

Almost every industry is starting to see the effects of this movement, and business owners who aren’t doing the same need to change their tune sooner or later. At the end of the day, employees will stay loyal only to a company that also has their best interests at heart and recognizes their value as part of the workforce.

This Is Where Employee Recognition Comes into Play

Anybody will feel bummed out if they don’t get any acknowledgement at work even after they gave their all. Anyone who’s had experience working for an employer who never shows affirmation knows how dispiriting it can be.

Empty praise won’t get anyone far either. In Badgeville’s infographic, 40 percent of workers who don’t receive any meaningful recognition won’t go beyond their assigned responsibilities.

So, praising an employee isn’t enough. It must be genuine. Have a look at the most common tactics used in the most successful employee recognition programs.

Trophies

Get a trophy you can award to employees who did a great job in exemplifying the company’s organizational values. After a week or so has passed, let the employees hand the trophy over to their outstanding peers. This method of award-giving saves the need for buying multiple trophies while encouraging employee interaction.

Social Media Recognition

Use the company’s Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook to publicly acknowledge an employee’s hard work. Another advantage of using this method is that it also shows the consumer how employee-centric one’s brand is. Give a highlight of what a worker has accomplished and how it positively affects one’s business.

Off-Site Work

Instead of being in the office every day of the week, schedule an off-site workday when the whole team can work at libraries, cafés, or anywhere suitable. An environment change can help boost productivity and encourage a more collaborative work effort.

Spontaneous Treats

Have some donuts brought in or maybe some cold drinks during a particularly hot afternoon. Bringing in food is a good way of relieving some stress and giving employees some time to relax.

Have Peer-Recognition Programs in Place

Peer/employee recognition gives a chance for the whole team to recognize everyone’s efforts. Having a boss figure acknowledge someone’s work can only go so far, so peer-to-peer recognition is the next big step. Implement an effective program in which employees are encouraged to pat each other on the back to help create a friendly and genuine atmosphere in the workplace.

Recognition Day

Create an official appreciation day for employees. Make it a fun experience with good food, music, team-building activities, and award ceremonies. It’s a good idea to ask employees’ ideas on the program’s flow.

Personalized Notes

A sticky note that says “Thanks” to an employee and why they’re being thanked (this is key) is a simple but effective way of showing one’s appreciation. Leave it on the desk of the employee so they see it when they work the following morning. They will definitely start their morning on a pleasant note.

Public Recognition

Encourage workers to send kudos to one another, maybe in the form of cards or notes. Display them in a central place in the office where everyone can see the great work happening in the company.

Another good way of doing this is to take photos of employees working hard or their accomplishments. Celebrate their significant contributions by making a collage that showcases their work.

Final Word

At a glance, the ideas above may seem inconsequential, but more often than not, it’s the little things that can make a considerable difference if done correctly. Remember to try out different tactics, and see which one fits one’s workplace best.

You may also like: A Guide to Employee Recognition

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