Employee recognition: What it is, its importance and examples.

Are you one of those who think that an annual bonus or the employee of the month concept is the best way to recognize employees?

It is widespread to think this, however, recognition is a concept that companies commonly do not understand and that can create unexpected effects within organizations.

Let's learn more about recognizing your employees and how you can achieve it within your organization.

What is employee recognition?

Recognition is a fundamental need of all human beings, which is why it is equally essential for the health of an organization's workers and teams.

Employee recognition consists of showing gratitude for the work done by an employee and valuing his or her efforts and results. It involves a certain closeness between the manager and the employee to highlight the skills and qualities of each.

Many employees lose work motivation due to a lack of recognition from their superiors. Recognition in the workplace is a very influential and effective tool when it becomes part of the company's values and practices, and if it is personalized and demonstrated to all employees, regardless of their hierarchical levels, it can bring about positive changes in everyone.

Job recognition can also be a part of the company's existing practices. For example, it can range from being flexible with work schedules, providing training, performance bonuses, employee assistance programs, awards, etc., to everyday actions, such as greeting colleagues, offering help, seeking feedback from subordinates, keeping staff informed of decisions made and upcoming changes, and more.

Benefits of employee recognition

There are many positive effects related to employee recognition, among them the following stand out:

• Increases motivation

• Improves the sense of belonging

• Promotes a positive work environment

• Increases employee engagement

• Improves employee retention

• Improved customer service

• Provides greater job satisfaction

• Improves productivity and performance

Many companies avoid recognizing employees for fear of causing jealousy or unfair competition among their workers. However, these problems can be avoided if recognition is done fairly. Also, it should be kept in mind that the benefits of recognition far outweigh the potential risks.

Why is employee recognition important?

Without a doubt, recognizing your employees contributes to their well-being, but also which employee retention, because if employees feel undervalued, they will look to leave.

Fortunately, praising your team members when they live up to their responsibilities is a simple solution that will help you retain your top talent. When recognition is at the heart of the company culture, voluntary turnover is lower.

Employee recognition is also important because it helps them stay enthusiastic and makes them more productive, a sign of appreciation for their work.

If a team does a great job but is never recognized, the environment can quickly become toxic. Resentment and frustration build up, and members limit themselves to the bare minimum, because what's the point of doing more?

On the other hand, if recognition is a priority, the team's attitude can improve. Remember also that candidates who want to apply for a job in your company will also read reviews and find out what former and current employees think of your organization. If you consistently recognize your team's excellent work, it will enhance your reputation and ensure favorable word-of-mouth.

4 ways of achieving employee recognition

Employee recognition can be carried out in different ways, including these four:

1. Recognition for activities performed, regardless of their specific tasks or job titles.

2. Recognition of work practices. This takes into account an employee's behavior, skills, and professional qualifications. For example, you can survey to choose the employee of the month.

3. Recognition of dedication to work refers to the quality and quantity of efforts an employee makes to contribute to the organization's process.

4. It highlights the contributions employees make, the risks they take to complete company projects, and the energy they put into them, regardless of the results.

Recognition of employees based on efficiency, usefulness, and quality of work performed.

Conclusion

Today's HR teams need to be more creative in choosing recognition strategies that best fit the company culture and employee expectations.

However, with the healthcare crisis and the rise of working from home, employee recognition needs to be reconsidered. The means of expression and the evaluation criteria on which it is based must be adapted to our new way of working to ensure employee satisfaction.

If proper recognition of your employees is not yet on your list of priorities, it should be now. Because great work should not go unnoticed.

You can start by creating an employee survey to get an in-depth understanding of your workforce's true needs so you can give them the recognition they deserve and keep them engaged with your organization.

Listening to them is the first step!

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