Workplace recognition is a fundamental part of any dynamic business and a key factor in motivating employees, customers and partners. It’s also an effective way to increase employee engagement, boost productivity and create a company culture that fosters personal growth. This article explores what workplace recognition is, why it’s important and how businesses can benefit from this strategy. Let’s take a look.
What is recognition at work?
Recognition at work is a crucial aspect of professional life and a powerful force that can propel a company to new heights. It is defined as the act of valuing, appreciating and rewarding the contributions, achievements and efforts of employees within an organization. This means that the work done has a significant and positive impact on the company. Recognition can be expressed in many ways: sincere praise, tangible rewards, etc.
It is essential to understand that recognition at work is more than just an occasional “thank you.” It encompasses everyday interactions between colleagues and superiors. It goes beyond words of thanks to include symbolic gestures, professional development opportunities, and participation in decision-making.
Whether individual or collective, its goal is always the same: to create a work environment where employees feel valued, appreciated and motivated to give their best. And when it comes to employee recognition, Accolad is an essential ally for companies. It offers highly automated and cost-effective solutions to reward, motivate and satisfy employees.
What are the effects of lack of recognition at work?
Lack of recognition at work can have significant negative effects on employees as well as the company as a whole. Knowing these effects is essential to understanding the importance of recognition at work.
Demotivation and increased stress
When employees don’t feel recognized for their efforts, their motivation can decrease. They may start to question why they’re trying so hard. They may also feel stressed and under increased pressure to demonstrate their professional value, which can impact their health. Lack of recognition at work can lead to anxiety and depression, which not only hurts employees, but also the company, which has to deal with more frequent sick leave.
Decreased productivity and job abandonment
Workers who are stressed and demotivated are less productive. Their job performance can suffer, which compromises the overall performance of the company. And when lack of recognition becomes the norm, employees tend to seek more favorable work environments elsewhere. This can lead to high turnover, which can be costly in terms of recruiting and training new employees.
Toxic work environment and bad company reputation
Tensions caused by lack of recognition can lead to a toxic work environment characterized by mistrust and poor communication. Another effect of lack of recognition at work is that the company's reputation may be tarnished. This can impact its ability to attract new talent and retain customers.
The 4 forms of recognition at work
Recognition at work takes many forms, but each is essential to meeting employee needs and expectations. Here’s a look at the four main forms of recognition at work.
1. Existential recognition
Existential recognition involves recognizing each employee as a unique person with distinct qualities. This may include accepting their cultural, religious, gender, etc. differences. This recognition fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation, thereby strengthening diversity within the company.
2. Recognition of work practice
It focuses on the skills, working methods and professional approach of employees. It is about recognizing employees for their expertise, innovation and efficiency in carrying out their tasks. This recognition promotes continuous learning and the pursuit of excellence.
3. Recognition of investment in work
This form of recognition aims to reward employees for their commitment, loyalty and constant efforts in fulfilling the company's mission. It strengthens employee loyalty to the company and encourages a sense of security and stability within the company.
4. Recognition of results
Achievement recognition is the most common form of expressing gratitude at work. It involves rewarding employees with gifts for concrete achievements. This type of recognition motivates employees to actively help the company achieve its goals.
How to do recognition at work?
If you want to know how to do recognition at work, the first step is to create an organizational culture that values it. To do this, you need to integrate recognition into the company's mission, values, and vision.
Encourage managers to promote recognition on a daily basis. Be as specific as possible when expressing gratitude. Specify whether the recognition is for how effectively the employee handled a project or whether the employee met deadlines or achieved exceptional results.
Also, remember to personalize recognition, as every employee is unique and has their own preferences when it comes to recognition. For example, while some enjoy public recognition, others prefer to keep it discreet. In fact, some employees will be happy to receive public recognition during a team meeting, while others may be more comfortable with one-on-one recognition. So, getting to know your employees and their preferred ways to thank them is an important part of knowing how to do recognition at work.
Workplace recognition activities and gifts
In addition to verbal recognition practices, gifts and recognition activities at work can boost employee engagement.
Team lunches and outings
To honor team accomplishments, organize regular lunches or outings. These times allow employees to relax and have fun outside of work, building camaraderie. Choose recognition activities at work and in locations that appeal to your team, whether it’s a picnic at the park, a day at the bowling alley, or a dinner out.
Generous gifts and benefits
A tangible way to recognize your employees is to offer gifts or perks. Extra vacation days or memberships to services or recreational activities can be greatly appreciated. You can also give high-performing employees the opportunity to become mentors to other team members.
Accolad, the key to your success in worker recognition
Throughout this article, we have discussed the benefits and effective practices of workplace recognition. If you want to grow your business and strengthen your employer brand, this strategy is extremely useful and you should consider it now. How to go about it?
Accolad, an expert in employee recognition for many years, is the key to your success in this field. It takes care of managing your recognition gifts from A to Z. This way, you can offer each employee the ideal gift at the ideal time. Thanks to its customization and automation system, you can work on other projects.
In addition, Accolad offers your employees a host of rewards for all tastes. Whether it is for Christmas, a birthday, a retirement, a contest or for your social club, your employees will find the perfect reward in its online store.
Short on time? Accolad has a team of specialists who will support you every step of the way and give you the best advice to ensure the success of your recognition program. Contact our experts today.