5 Do’s and Don’ts When Recognizing Employees

A happy cartoon figure holds a bonus reward

Did you know that 8 out of 10 employees don’t feel the love? 

When asked, they don’t feel that their managers fully appreciate their contributions. That is sad. But the impact on morale and productivity should be even more worrisome to business leaders than hurt feelings. 4 out of 10 employees said they would work harder at their jobs if they were recognized more often. Wake up, employers! Recognize your employees when they do a good job…and it doesn’t even have to set you back financially.

Here is what we tell our clients who look to us for employee engagement training in order to boost productivity.  An important factor in engaging employees is overcoming the so-called recognition deficit. It is easy, inexpensive and should become a part of your company culture. 

A few do’s and don’ts:

  • Be authentic in your appreciation.
    A pat on the back, if sincerely given, is worth far more than a company tchotchke dropped on someone’s desk.
  • Be specific in your praise.
    Point out just what behavior you observed and how it aligns with company values. Not only will the recognition feel personal but it will reinforce desired behaviors.
  • Don’t wait to recognize only the spectacular wins; appreciate the small ones all along the way.
    Yes, your sales team may eventually reach their quarterly goal but their success will be made up of many deals on that path to the revenue target.
  • Show respect for their contribution by sharing information with your employees. There is nothing to be gained by keeping your employees in the dark or protecting them from important information. Keep your employees informed so they know where the company is headed and how what they do contributes to the company’s future wellbeing.
  • Have some fun.
    Recognition doesn’t have to be serious. Be creative in the way you recognize extra effort…silly but personal gifts or a surprise brunch for the person who never has time to eat a good breakfast before they come to work.

Just don’t neglect how important engaged employees are to business success. Recognize them often, sincerely, personally, specifically and in a timely way. And those employees will pay you back with their loyalty, discretionary effort, commitment and advocacy for you and the company as a whole. 

Learn more at: http://www.lsaglobal.com/leading-for-employee-engagement/




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