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Work recognition emphasizes the contribution of individuals and teams who, by their attitude and efforts, contribute to the success of a business. Recognition of those who daily demonstrate effort in their work is important to 90% of people.
How to show work recognition:
- Recognize a person’s value
This form of recognition emphasizes interest in the person, his or her qualities, abilities, expertise, and skills. It is expressed in a face-to-face meeting and is the foundation of all other forms of recognition. For example:
- Consult a member of a team for advice
- Invite an employee to an important meeting to express his or her point of view
- Emphasize, in public or in private, the positive attitude of an employee
- Recognize work practices
This form of recognition deals with quality of work performed, ingenuity shown, innovation or continual improvement. Here are some gestures of recognition concerning work practices:
- Empower an employee according to his or her skills.
- Organize a meeting to emphasize the contribution of support workers (office, sales, trades staff, etc.).
- Compliment an employee who has received congratulations from a customer.
- Recognize the value of employees’ ideas even if they can’t be put into practice.
- Recognize results
This form of recognition deals mainly with the contribution of employees to the achievement of a strategic objective of the business. The following practices are the best known:
- A one-on-one meeting for performance appraisal
- Describing an outstanding success; a good strategy during a team meeting
- Wage/salary progression based on individual performance
The positive effects of recognition
- Helps to improve motivation, work atmosphere, employee health, quality of products and services. Small gestures of recognition daily have a more positive impact than some major planned activities.
- The manager who regularly expresses recognition positively influences the perception of employees towards him or her.
The harmful effect of lack of recognition
Lack of recognition has the opposite effect: demoralization, disinterest in the business and exhaustion. A serious lack of work recognition multiplies by four (4) the risk of enduring a great deal of psychological distress or professional exhaustion.
Factors that contribute to establishing a culture of recognition
- It is necessary to recognize excellence frequently and at the right time.
Congratulating employees is an effective tool with no cost attached. It must be done with sincerity, immediately following an accomplishment.
- Recognition must not be limited to exceptional achievements.
Businesses should organize informal activities (see list below) in order to firmly instil the kind of behaviour that an employer wishes to see repeated.
- Tribute should be paid to individuals and teams for their achievements, not only at work but elsewhere.
The accomplishments of employees as volunteers in their community also have positive effects on a business. These accomplishments should be recognized.
Occasionally, gratitude must be expressed publicly.
- The value of recognition is diminished if a case of unsatisfactory performance is not corrected immediately.
Not intervening to correct an employee’s productivity problem is a gesture of non-recognition toward the efforts of the rest of the team.
- Recognition cannot be a substitute for performance appraisal.
Other suggestions of recognition activities
- Social gatherings (e.g., participation in a sports league, and/or a charitable organization).
- Information on a subject of interest, chosen by the employees.
- A note of thanks to an employee who contributes to getting a contract, finds a candidate for a vacant position or convinces a new customer to use the services of the business.
- A welcome program for new employees.
- A satisfaction survey given to all employees.
- Emphasis during team meetings on innovative and creative contributions.
- Assignment of a deserving employee to a special project.
- Delegation of an employee to represent the business at a conference.
- Sharing thanks and/or positive comments given by customers, during team meetings or on the bulletin board.
- An “open house” at the business for employees’ families.
- Organization of a relaxing activity following the successful completion of a particularly demanding project. (Ask employees for suggestions.)
- A letter of recognition from the community following volunteer involvement of one or more employees, in the name of the business. Post this letter where everyone can see it.
- Gifts with the business logo following an exceptional accomplishment.
- Public announcement in the local newspaper congratulating employees on a success.
- Social gathering for employees to celebrate years of service and retirements.
- Christmas party (for all employees).