Recognition is the number one thing employees say their manager could give them to inspire them to produce great work. Global studies prove that when it comes to inspiring people to be their best at work, nothing else comes close—not even higher pay, promotion, autonomy or training. – Forbes
Employees are an asset to an organization, and they need to be acknowledged for their excellent work. Employee appreciation reinforces the best outcome your workforce can create for your business. Recognition helps your employees gain a better understanding of how you would like to see your employees contributing to the workplace. It induces a sense of belongingness and closeness among your employees. Likewise, employee appreciation is also significant to nurture a supportive work environment.
Here are some ways to ensure employee appreciation in your organization.
The first step should be to make your supervisors and managers understand the awesome power of recognition. This can be inculcated through blended learning programs. Your supervisors should be aware that recognition is the secret to inspire people to reach their maximum potential. It is a simple principle that can considerably impact your business. Arrange workshops to make everyone around you happier and more effective. It will enable them to:
It goes without saying that being grateful and appreciative is important in your organization. However, employers are seldom seen doing it. Even a small token of appreciation, like ‘well done,’ ‘thank you’ or ‘congratulations’ can mark a difference. Shout out at the end of a weary workday. Or, make your employees valued through a special mention in a meeting. These small but thoughtful actions can bring a considerable change in the longer run. After all, the workplace has become highly competitive, and everyone craves some acknowledgment at the end of a hectic day.
Appreciation isn’t about just reward systems and recognition programs. It should be inherent in your company’s culture. One effective way to do so is to give real choices to your employees.
Do you let your employees choose the projects they work?
Or, are they always allocated tasks?
Do your supervisors listen to their ideas and concerns and take action on them?
Or, do they list but forget what they’ve heard on as usual?
Genuine appreciation lies in addressing employees’ concern with real attempts. Make sure that your supervisors and managers follow a similar modus operandi.
The appreciation should be as close to the performance of the actions as possible so that the recognition reinforces the behavior you want to encourage in your workforce. Many organizations adopt a monthly recognition which might be too infrequent and not reinforcing. Annual recognition, hikes, and gifts reinforce the output you’d like to witness even less effectively. Depending on the nature of your business, you can choose a daily to a quarterly period. Keep an element of surprise in your approach to employee appreciation. For example, if you frequently reward your employees with a free lunch, over the time, the lunch becomes an entitlement and is no longer rewarding.
Flaunting the hard-earned appreciation of your employees on social media is one of the best and most effective ways to motivate the workforce today, especially millennials. The workforce has become digital natives, and social media interactions are part and parcel of their daily lives. Boast about their achievements on social media platforms and recognize their efforts. Employers with a large workforce can offer a cloud social platform to share the accomplishments of their employees.
A well-designed workplace is a clear indication of employee appreciation. Take care of their comfort, and you can clearly mark a boost in their productivity. Do your employees have ergonomic chairs? Does your workplace have decent lighting to work? Keep the different components of workplace infrastructure efficient and comfortable. Improving their work condition is a good source of motivation as well as appreciation.
Employee appreciation doesn’t always mean praising. It serves a bigger purpose as every employee wants to be valued and feel respected in the organization. When they are treated in the same way, they pay back with improved productivity. Organizations and employers should treat employees as valuable assets who can make smart choices.
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