Everyone needs recognition. From a young age, we crave the attention and respect of those around us, especially those we hold in high regard. Of course, this force of nature translates to our workplaces as we seek recognition and value from our careers.
A common misconception is that all employees want is more money. But while 89% of bosses believe employees quit for more money, the truth is that only 12% of employees actually leave for more money. What employees really want? You guessed it – Recognition.
Although it may seem fundamental, many companies are already facing challenges when it comes to recognition. There is no one-size fits all approach, but there are many tips that may help when it comes to implementing a culture of recognition in your office.
Make Recognition Part of the Big Picture
An easy way to make sure your recognition program is effective is to align the program with your core values. In fact, an SHRM report found that recognition programs aligned with these values reported a 70% ROI. By aligning recognition with core values, you’ll help employees see how their work contributes to the big picture. They’ll be more motivated to work hard when they understand how their contributions impact the organization. Especially for organizations that are undergoing large changes or growth, this type of recognition becomes even more crucial as employees long for security and clarity on how their work is valued.
Make Recognition Timely
Have you ever received a thank you note a year after a wedding or significant event? Chances are it didn’t mean much to you and may have even irritated you because of its tardiness. By the same token, recognition should be timely. 47% of employees said they’d like to receive rewards spontaneously. We aren’t saying to throw out your birthday celebrations or annual awards, but consider other ways to recognize and reward employees on-the-spot.
(Oh hey, did we mention PerkSpot does this?)
Make Recognition Appropriate
A handwritten note, a quick email or a literal pat on the back can go a long way. But, they don’t always work in every situation. Someone who has just completed a lengthy project probably deserves more recognition than an employee who helped out on a quick assignment. Make sure your channels and rewards for recognition are aligned with the achievements themselves so that employees continue to feel valued and appreciated.
Make Recognition Easy
No manager wants to jump through hoops to recognize their employees. Better yet, what about peer-to-peer recognition? Formalizing a recognition program is a great way to implement a culture of recognition, but it should be painless. Make it simple for managers or employees to recognize and reward each other. Using PerkSpot’s recognition program, we make it simple for recognizers to send rewards in just 2 minutes.
As you move towards implementing a culture of recognition in your workplace, use these tips to ensure your program is a success. Make sure your program is easy to use and tied to your core values, make your rewards appropriate, and make your recognition timely.
Want to get started? We’ll help formulate a program that’s right for you! Click here to learn more.
