Employee recognition matters to employers, employees

            Employee recognition matters, not only to employees on the receiving end of the accolades, but employers as well.

            To employers, there is greater retention of employees when employee achievements are recognized.  Employees are more productive, overall morale is higher, and workplace relationships are strengthened.

            Employers can create a variety of ways to bring attention to employee accomplishments.  This can include accolades for one-time occurrences of excellence, special achievements, length-of-service milestones and service anniversaries, birthdays, etc.  In workplaces with hourly and non-exempt associates, perfect attendance bonuses are coveted because they reward employees whose roles may not typically place them in the spotlight. It is important to value the consistency, reliability and dedication of these associates plugging away at their jobs day after day. They are relied upon heavily in workflow processing, especially in the logistics of manufacturing and warehousing.

          Employers can reward employees with thank-you notes, bonuses, raises, spending quality time with senior leaders, enjoying special experiences such as concert tickets, sports tickets, hotel stays, airfare vouchers, preferred parking spots, universal gift cards from major credit card companies, extra paid time off, choosing items from gift catalogs, and celebrating with restaurant gift cards by taking their family or friends out to dinner.

            In addition to rewarding stellar performance, highlighting annual milestones — such as birthdays and service anniversaries — enables celebrants to take a break from the everyday pace of work and be recognized for individual landmark events. Whether it’s a gift card or edible treats in a gathering area to honor everyone with a special occasion that month, these are opportunities for team bonding through the mingling of associates from multiple departments brought together by a simple commonality.

          “Little things” can be a big deal to the recipients. A Quantum Workplace survey showed 53% of associates would appreciate greater recognition from their immediate supervisor. When employees feel like they belong at work, feel respected, and feel like they are being treated fairly, chances are better you’ll see improved organizational performance.

          The majority of employees see recognition as important to workplace happiness and when recognized appropriately, they feel happier in general. About 82% of employees say recognition is an important part of their happiness at work. They feel happier when they are recognized and rewarded appropriately, according to Survey Monkey. They work harder and more effectively when they know continuous recognition is a possibility.

          Recognition helps woo top talent wanting to work for companies recognizing employee success. Lack of recognition is often the top reason for switching jobs. When employees do receive promotions, LinkedIn says seven of 10 promoted employees still remain at their respective companies three years later.

          Productivity gains can be achieved from employee recognition as well. When rewards meet employee need, it is more likely that the associates will remain engaged with their work.  Where there is a sense of belonging, you may see a greater level of performance with happier, more productive employees and an accompanying increase in sales, profitability and customer ratings.

          During challenging times, it is even more important for management to show employees they care as a way of banding together for the greater good and to continue to inspire others. Show associates the work they perform is valuable and has a significant purpose in helping achieve the organization’s desired end result.

          Recognition also fosters employee trust. One study showed a third of employees leave a job because they do not trust their boss. Or, from a positive perspective, they remain because they absolutely do believe in their supervisor. Trusting employees are more apt to remain engaged, advocate for the company, and be committed to established goals. For instance, entire teams of employees can be rewarded, such as sales teams triumphantly reaching a group goal.

          Continuous appreciation remains vital in today’s work world for a number of reasons that benefit both the employer and employee.