5 Facts to Consider to Ensure Effective Workplace Recognition

The business landscape today is more competitive than ever. This puts the pressure on organizations to step up and prioritize employee recognition efforts. Recognition at work is essential when it comes to the satisfaction, performance, and retention of employees. The definition of recognition is simple in that it means acknowledging your employees’ achievements and efforts in the workplace. There are many ways to recognize star employees, including verbal praise, awards, reward programs, promotions, and also public recognition.

Seeing how beneficial recognition is makes you wonder why so many organizations fail to implement an effective program. Those who do not implement a workplace recognition program usually end up with discouraged and disengaged workers, higher than usual turnover, and lower productivity levels across the board. Of course, implementing a recognition program can present a few challenges. You’ll want to consider these five facts to help you determine if your organization would benefit substantially from a recognition program for employees.

5 Areas to Consider

1.    Recognition at Work

It’s important to understand what recognition at work truly means before implementing a program. It is the practice of appreciating and acknowledging employees for all their contributions, efforts, and achievements. There are many ways to demonstrate to employees that they are valued. Some recognition strategies include:

• Formal Recognition: Formal recognition programs are well-organized and structured to provide employee awards, incentives, and bonuses based on their tenure or performance. Some formal recognition programs include Employee of the Month, performance-based awards, and years of service awards.
• Informal Recognition: Informal recognition is more spontaneous and not always planned out. It usually occurs in the course of a day’s work. Some examples of informal recognition include written notes, verbal praise, or small tokens of appreciation.
• Peer Recognition: A peer recognition program involves employees recognizing and appreciating each other’s achievements and contributions. This type of recognition helps foster a positive work environment and strengthens employee-to-employee relationships.

There are many benefits of implementing a work recognition program. Just of few of them include:

• Increased Motivation. Recognition often boosts employee morale, which increases their sense of purpose and belonging, motivating them to perform their best.
• Improved Job Satisfaction. Employees who are recognized tend to feel valued and appreciated, which increases job satisfaction while also reducing turnover.
• Enhanced Employee Engagement. Employees who are recognized for their efforts and contributions are more engaged, committed, and loyal to the organization.
• Improved Workplace Culture. Recognition helps create a positive work environment where employees feel valued, supported, and appreciated.

2.      Employee Performance

 A workplace recognition program can significantly impact employee performance. Employees who feel appreciated and recognized are motivated to work harder. Some of the key points to consider about the impact of employee recognition on performance include:

• Evidence suggests that recognition has a positive impact on employee performance. The Harvard Business Review reported in one study that employees who were given regular recognition tend to be more productive and produce better quality work.
• Some organizations use recognition programs just to improve employee performance.
• There are several factors that must be in place to implement a successful recognition program. It’s important to set out clear and specific criteria, offer frequent feedback, and align the program with the goals and values of the organization.

3.      Recognizing Engaging Employees

Employee engagement is a key factor in any organization’s success. When employees are engaged in their work, they are more productive, more committed to their work, and more likely to stay long-term with the company. Recognizing them in the workplace can play a huge role in improving employee engagement.

4.      Employee Retention

High turnover rates can be costly and disruptive for any organization, making employee retention critical. When you recognize employees for their work, it also plays a role in improving retention. Some studies have suggested that businesses that recognize employees regularly have a much lower voluntary turnover rate. Employee retention alone can help contribute to productivity and profitability.

5.      Timely and Meaningful Recognition

Timely and meaningful recognition is also built into an effective program. It’s necessary to reinforce desired behaviors immediately, which helps solidify the behavior in the employee. Delayed recognition lacks the same impact and is not as effective at reinforcing desired behaviors. Recognition must also be meaningful if you want it to demonstrate that employee efforts are appreciated and valued. On the other hand, insincere or generic praise can negatively impact employee motivation.

Let Suburban Custom Awards Help You Recognize Employees

You’ll find that Suburban Custom Awards offers high-quality products designed specifically for programs that recognize employees. We have wall plaques, trophies, and awards that can help you showcase your brightest and best. You can also customize our professional awards and add a personalized touch, ensuring your employees feel appreciated and valued. Let us know if you have any questions. We’d love to be part of recognizing your employees!