Recognition for Employees- The Key to Motivating Your Employees

How Do I Give More Recognition to My Employees?

Giving recognition to employees is important for several reasons. First, recognition reinforces desired behaviors and lets your team know that their efforts are appreciated. Additionally, recognition has been shown to boost employee morale, increase job satisfaction, and improve retention rates. Finally, recognition can serve as a powerful tool for motivating employees and driving performance.

Knowing this, you may ask yourself...how can I give more recognition to my employees?

What Is the Best Recognition for Employees?

The best recognition for employees is the type of recognition that individual team members appreciate. Some of your direct reports will appreciate public recognition at a team meeting or at an all-hands gathering. Others would be embarrassed and feel awkward being publicly recognized. They would much rather be recognized privately by their manager in a 1:1 meeting, for example.

What Are Examples of Recognition for Employees in the Workplace?

½ day off
A gift card
A handwritten thank you note
An e-mail recognition to the team
Tickets to a show or game
A lunch out with the boss
Extra vacation days
A bonus

Employee Recognition Phrases

It doesn't hurt to be specific when recognizing an employee’s efforts. In fact, your employee may find it more meaningful if you are. For example:

“Thank you for having completed that project on time.”
“Your attention to detail is commendable.”
“I know you put in extra effort to finish that report.”

How Can Recognition Be Given More Effectively in the Workplace?

When giving recognition, be specific, sincere, and timely. Try to avoid generic comments, such as "Great job!" or "Good work!". Although these few words can do a lot in the moment, they may quickly be forgotten and seen as nothing out of the ordinary. Instead, focus on what the employee did that you want to recognize, why it was important, and how it benefited the team or company. For recognition to be effective, it should also be given soon after the desired behavior or achievement occurs. This helps employees connect their positive actions with the recognition they receive, and encourages them to continue displaying such behaviors in the future.

Employee Recognition Benefits

Appreciation and recognition are in very low supply not only in our professional lives, but in our personal lives as well. As human beings, we crave to be recognized and appreciated by our partners, friends, parents, siblings and so many others that we come into contact within our daily lives. When someone goes out of their way to help, goes above and beyond, or simply gives us some of their time or a listening ear, we should always pause and acknowledge them.

Recognizing team members for a job well done is vital to building thriving teams and cultivating happy employees. Managers should make a point of acknowledging and appreciating the work of their direct reports with regularity and when it is warranted. Don’t always wait for a formal review to commend your team members for a job well done.

Recognition As a Motivator

Recognition can be a very powerful tool for motivating employees. In fact, recognition is often more effective than financial incentives in promoting employee satisfaction and productivity. When recognition is given regularly and appropriately, it can help create a positive work environment where employees feel appreciated and valued. Additionally, recognition can help build team morale and foster a sense of camaraderie among coworkers.

How Recognition Can Drive Performance

Recognition can also serve as a driver of performance. When employees feel appreciated, they are more likely to be engaged in their work and motivated to do their best. Additionally, recognition can help build trust between managers and employees, which is essential for creating a productive and positive work environment.

If you want to encourage employees to perform at their best, start by showing your appreciation for their efforts. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in motivating employees to continue working hard and producing great results.

Recognition is an important part of any workplace. By showing appreciation for employees’ efforts, managers can create a positive work environment and motivate employees to do their best. If you are looking for ways to increase employee satisfaction and productivity, consider implementing a recognition program at your workplace.

Employee Recognition Statistics

According to a study by Globoforce, 87% of employees say recognition is important to them, yet only 1 in 3 workers feel they receive recognition at their current job.

The study also found that:

- 61% of employees would work harder if they felt their efforts were better appreciated.

- 63% of employees say they’d feel better about their job if their employer showed more appreciation.

- 74% say recognition would make them more likely to stay with their current employer.

These statistics reinforce the importance of recognition in the workplace and how it can impact employee morale and motivation.

Reflection Questions

Now that you've reached the end of this blog, you might find it worthwhile to ask yourself these reflection questions regarding recognition in your workplace.

How often do you recognize employees for their efforts?
What are some ways you can show appreciation to your employees?
Why is recognition important in your workplace?
How can recognition impact your employees satisfaction and productivity?
What are some ways you can improve recognition in your workplace?
How do you know when you feel recognized?

Do you want more personalized help with your recognition efforts or building your leadership toolkit overall? Don’t hesitate to reach out here.

Interested in Learning More About Recognition?

Here are some additional resources on recognition that might be helpful. Please Google the titles below.

Employee Recognition is the NEW Motivation - Business Class News
How Rewards and Recognition Can Be Used to Create Engaged Employees – The Future of Work
How to Use Recognition to Drive Employee Engagement – Forbes