Employee recognition is important for building a strong company culture and workplace environment. Unfortunately, many leaders neglect recognition in the workplace, leading to low morale and engagement. A survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 79% of employees reported that recognition makes them work harder, a testament to the fact that an encouraging and rewarding environment yields productive results. Furthermore, Forbes found that companies with recognition programs far outperformed those without them.
Let’s face it: leaders should instill a culture of employee recognition if they want the best for their company. However, some managers might struggle with recognition ideas, as well as the setup process for an employee recognition program. Below we will explore different recognition program approaches designed to improve office culture and yield success for you and your employees.
Be Specific with Your Gratitude
It is important to express appreciation for your team for specific achievements, both big and small. Whether it’s for completing a simple task or going above and beyond to accomplish a strategic goal, direct compliments resonate with your team. When these achievements are recognized, employees will feel like you appreciate their effort, leaving a long-lasting positive impression. In turn, your employees will be incentivized to repeat their performance to earn further recognition for their success.
Be Open to Suggestions and New Ideas
Your leadership style should never appear rigid or egocentric, as this could potentially discourage valuable input from your team. It is best to remain open-minded to suggestions that could help improve company processes. When employees see that their insight is valued by leadership, they feel appreciation and satisfaction, and they are more likely to be engaged at work. Continuing to show this appreciation can foster this engagement and create an atmosphere that brings forth the best in your team.
Always Remember Rewards
While it is important to show your appreciation with compliments, it is equally important to support this recognition with tangible rewards. Rewards like luxury travel, vouchers for fine-dining restaurants, event tickets, and merchandise rewards all provide significant “trophy value,” meaning employees are far more likely to remember the impact of the reward. This creates a greater connection to the workplace recognition program than a simple cash bonus would provide. With these types of rewards, you are creating opportunities for your team to make great memories from their recognition program, once again providing a lasting impact on your employees and, in turn, your business.
In conclusion, creating a culture of workplace recognition does not have to be complicated. With slight adjustments in mentality and approach, leaders can build an environment that supports the engagement, growth, and success of their workers, which, in the long run, will offer an incredible return on investment for their companies.
Xceleration Can Help
Make rewards and recognition a part of your culture, and you’ll create an engaged workforce that’ll stay with you long term. To help achieve your recognition and engagement goals, let Xceleration step in to provide employee rewards and recognition software.