Even the best employees cannot perform successfully (and may even leave) if they are not motivated. Here are some of the ways employers fall short in promoting job satisfaction.
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My previous boss was fantastic and understood what it meant to be a good leader. There was a moment when things were frantic at work, and our communications team was under fire from all directions. My former boss performed the most simple yet effective thing: she emailed me a "Thank you message." This brief but heartfelt note demonstrated that she cared and that all of my efforts were recognized and acknowledged, albeit not by the general administration, but by her, which was sufficient for me. I had job satisfaction but in life, you just have to move forward.
What is employee recognition?
Employee recognition is the act of publicly recognizing your team members for who they are and what they do. Employee appreciation is a critical aspect in increasing workplace engagement, productivity, and retention. It allows employees to acknowledge one another, making the workplace seem more inclusive and personal. Employee recognition leads to job satisfaction which results in a higher retention rate.
A company is only as good as its employees, so why are so many managers getting it wrong? According to research carried out by NBC, the most common cause for people leaving their jobs is a lack of appreciation. As a result, managers who fail to recognize and reward exceptional work may end up costing their companies a lot of money. It’s really the simplest thing but seems so hard to do.
Here are some benefits of employee recognition:
Boosts retention - Recognition can boost productivity, increase loyalty, and foster teamwork. In addition, the workplace should be a place where positive reinforcement is encouraged and constructive feedback is welcomed. People want to stay where they feel appreciated. Employees are no longer subjected to poisonous work conditions - a company is called out on social media every other day, which is why employers must saddle up if they do not want to lose their talents to other companies.
Promotes productivity - You know the saying, “Happy wife, happy life”? The same thing goes for the workplace; a happy employee means a happy company bank account. When employees are happy, they will not be forced or begged to work; instead, they will be eager to improve things on their own, resulting in higher productivity and more money for the organization.
Reinforces values - Recognized behaviors and activities demonstrate to employees what is valued by supervisors, executives, and the organization as a whole. Employees who are praised for adopting a behavior that is consistent with the company's principles are more likely to sustain that conduct and set a good example for others.
A key component of job satisfaction is recognition. If you don't show your staff that you recognize and value their efforts, they will never offer you their best. Don’t know where to start? Here’s a guide to put you in the right direction:
Say thank you more often - We frequently undervalue the power of a simple thank-you. But how many times have you held a door open for someone and wondered if they even noticed? Make an effort to make it a habit. It may appear forced at first, but don't be concerned. If you say it frequently enough, it will become second nature to you and you will not have to think about it.
Give praise when due - When you see someone doing something good, make a point of complimenting them. "You are really proactive towards work — I admire that about you," for example. This is a terrific approach to encourage positive behavior when done correctly. But 'sincere' is the crucial word here. And that's because if you walk about giving imprecise praises, you'll immediately be detected. Even your heartfelt praises will eventually be ineffective. You can give praise during meetings, town halls, etc.
Employee Appreciation Events/ Days - Organize small team bonding and appreciation events where employees feel comfortable enough to let their hair down, talk about things outside work, and just pause for a minute. This is always a great way to refresh and reset the team especially after a hectic work period or a project well done. It can range from a simple beach hangout to even an eat and drink party at the office.
Bonuses and rewards - Who doesn’t love thoughtful or cash gifts? The additional cash will show them that they are valued and that their hard work is paying off, and that the company values them. Employees that are performing well can also be rewarded with company-branded gift tees, sweatshirts, or tokens (pens, bags, mugs, etc.).
Awards - You don’t have to wait till the end of the year to give out awards, you can make it a monthly ritual during team bonding events. A simple plaque or even a certificate will go a long way in saying “we see you and we appreciate you”.
A day off - A fairly easy way to show recognition, is to reward employees with an extra-long break or even a day off to reset and recharge. This might not be possible every time but it’s a great way to encourage work-life balance, especially after a hectic period at the office.
A successful employee recognition program begins with a company culture that encourages top achievers to be recognized. There are a plethora of ways to implement employee appreciation in the workplace, but it all starts with company culture. This can serve as the foundation for job satisfaction, future staff engagement, employee development, and retention strategies. Where will you start? Leave a comment below.
