An essential ingredient in attracting and retaining quality staff is making your employees feel truly valued.
Employee recognition is all about acknowledging the dedication and hard work of individuals and teams. It's about making people feel appreciated and letting them know that without them you would be worse off.
Surveys show that over 85% of organizations have a staff recognition program in place. Employee recognition is a key engagement tool that should be present in all work places.
A lack of employee recognition makes for a rather sad workplace. Who wants to stay and work at a place where their efforts go unnoticed?
People need encouragement and approval. They feel disappointed, to say the least, when their hard work is taken for granted. Employees giving their all should be rewarded for their efforts. A general 'thank you' in the speech at the end of the year is just not good enough.
Traditionally, rewards for staff recognition are usually bonuses, gift cards, dinners for two and other gimmicks. These are better than nothing, however the repetitious, one size fits all rewards can become a little dreary and lose mpact.
What's even better is to offer intentional recognition with creative and personal rewards.
For instance, if an employee is very shy and dislikes to be the centre of attention don't announce your gratitude over the PA or single them out in a meeting. Instead, give them a 'Thank You' card with a personal message of how much their efforts are appreciated. Or you may give them a birthday card with best wishes from all their peers.
Employee recognition doesn't necessarily have to come from management. If you have staff, volunteers or students under your charge, you may start a program to honour them on a regular basis.
Recognition should be given frequently; several times a year at least and in as many varied forms as possible. It can be as simple as bringing in some bakery treats or lunch to share on the day after a successful event. Engaged and happy employees are more likely to stay with you for the long haul.
Here are a few ideas to ponder; use them to devise personal recognition incentives that work for you. Always consider the personality of the employee when considering how to show your appreciation.