Everyone wants to be recognized for their hard work. Many believe that recognition gives employees an incentive to stay loyal to their organizations and promotes the employees’ continued hard work.
In this issue of Astronology®, we’ll explore low-cost ways of engaging and rewarding employees with the goal of demonstrating that their dedication and hard work are appreciated. Let’s begin!
3 Ways to Communicate Recognition
There are three main types of employee recognition that you can utilize at your organization. They are:
- Spontaneous recognition. This type of recognition tends to be informal in nature. For example, you could verbally commend an employee for a desired behavior or send a positive e-mail when tasks are taken care of. These moments of spontaneous recognition are helpful for letting your employees know in the moment that you appreciate their work.
- Formal recognition. This type of recognition is helpful for those managers and supervisors who experience difficulty in making employee recognition a priority. Create a program that outlines how you will recognize high-performing employees and how frequently. For example, you could decide to recognize your top five employees with a trophy every month.
- Virtual recognition. In today’s digital age, recognition doesn’t have to be a trophy or a plaque. You can show your appreciation for your employees virtually through a variety of methods, from company-wide emails to eCards. This type of recognition is especially suited to remote employees.
A tool that you most likely already have available to help you evaluate employee performance is an efficient performance management system. Such a system can keep track of employee progress and goals, and aid in rewarding employees when it is appropriate. Use your solution to support your employee recognition efforts and retain them as staff members.
7 Low-Cost Ways of Saying Thanks
The point of employee recognition is to make employees feel valued by the organization where they spend most of the day’s waking hours. When employers take time to acknowledge their employees’ hard work and attentiveness, they give employees the motivation to continue their good work.
Keeping in mind your own organization’s culture, perhaps some of the following suggestions could be a start in incorporating regular employee recognition:
- Provide a “Behind the Scenes” award for actions not normally highlighted.
- Give an “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty” award to employees who convey this attitude.
- Create a “Kudos” column in the department newsletter.
- Hold a department break in the employee’s honor. Don’t forget to include light snacks!
- Keep a supply of appropriately clever “thank you” cards for immediate rewards.
- Give them a small gift, such as a gift card, book, or flowers.
- Distribute work perk coupons, allowing employees to take a longer lunch or have a shorter work day.
Consider employee recognition as part of creating a cohesive, happy organization. Such an organization will have greater success in achieving its objectives. No matter your organization’s budget or culture, spend some time giving employee recognition to those who deserve it.
The point of employee recognition is to make the employee feel valued by the organization where he / she spends most of the day’s waking hours! When employers take time to acknowledge their employees’ hard work and attentiveness, they give employees esteem motivation to continue their good work. Consider employee recognition as part of creating a cohesive, happy organization. Such an organization will have greater success in achieving its objectives. No matter your organization’s budget or culture, spend some time giving employee recognition to those who deserve it.
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