It’s been said time and time again, but happy employees are crucial to a company’s continued success. Since incentives have become a rite of passage rather than a reward, employers are looking for new and creative ways to ensure their workforce remains pleased and fulfilled in their day-to-day. One of the most overlooked, yet simplistic means to do this is as easy as recognizing little Johnny for a job-well-done.
Studies show that the instant gratification that comes with recognition can have many positive benefits for your organization, such as higher productivity, better morale and increased employee satisfaction. Sounds like a recipe for success! But how can you and your company put your employee recognition plan into overdrive? That’s where I come in! Follow these simple tips to jumpstart your strategy and start recognizing your team for being the awesome counterparts you already know they are.
- Day-to-Day
Maybe Margie in the customer service department always sounds so positive during her daily calls, or Bob really helped you out in a pinch and got you that accounting report in a hurry. Either way, take the time to identify those employees who are truly excelling in their day-to-day duties, and show them that you recognize their efforts with a hand-written thank you card.
- Peer-to-Peer
Hold an office wide meeting, and allow employees to give a shout out to their peers who have gone above and beyond! Take it a step further and truly celebrate performance with some fun snacks and soda. It builds team comradery and can lower negative effects such as morale, stress and absenteeism.
- Celebrate
Speaking of celebrations, recognize employees on their birthday, anniversary and other important milestones that are important to in your organization. Your employees will appreciate the gesture and the recognition, and in return, they will have greater loyalty and be more inclined to “go the extra mile.”
- Department Lunch
Don’t just recognize individuals for a job well done! Take the time to celebrate an entire department’s success, such as Accounting during tax season or Human Resources during open enrollment for benefits. Thank them with a nice little lunch of their choice, and they’ll thank you with increased productivity.
- Company-Wide
There are some things a company simply couldn’t accomplish without the help of everyone working within it. Maybe your company was recognized with a special accolade or you hit your annual goal. Thank and recognize your employees for their efforts and reward them with a half-day off, a casual dress down day or Fun Friday (fun games around the office on a Friday afternoon). Your employees will be grateful to be appreciated and will work that much harder toward the next goal.
Employee recognition doesn’t just happen on its own. Be cognizant that a recognition plan must be in place, and then hold yourself and others accountable to making sure that acknowledgement and appreciation is happening on a consistent basis, for all employees.
