According to research, 88 percent of workers cite "lack of acknowledgement" as their top work issue. Recognizing employees for performance or service to an organization can create a better work environment and more loyal employees.
Scott Christopher, manager of recognition training at O.C. Tanner Company and a speaker at the Auto Parts Associates Annual Shareholders' & Manufacturers' Convention, says praising employee efforts on a day-to-day basis (for example, saying thank you when an employee stays late), and rewarding good results can help business owners improve morale. In fact, he cites a study from the Jackson Organization, which reports that employees who get high recognition are more engaged, have better retention rates, and more.To make recognition more beneficial for employees and employers, follow these tips from Christopher:
- Make recognition personal. Getting to know employees and presenting symbolic rewards means more to employees than just receiving money.
- Craft recognition around your company's existing values and business objectives, such as honesty or quality.
- Recognize employees in front of peers. This works for two reasons — the recognition is more special, and it also motivates observers to perform well.
- Make recognition immediate and don't combine it with another agenda.
"Make sure recognition is its own moment, so it doesn't get lost in the laundry list of items," he notes.
