As a business owner, Kevin thought that the “employee-of-the-month” program seemed like the least time-consuming way to make sure his staff felt appreciated as his business grew; making sure everyone had a chance to ‘win’. Imagine his surprise to find out his program wasn’t helping morale nor productivity. Based on information gained from employees during informal conversations, he realized a less rigid, more personal approach was in order. He encouraged his management team to get in the habit of reporting employees’ positive efforts. He set aside part of his daily phone calls with management to discuss exemplary work, in addition to 15 minutes at each weekly meeting. Kevin also made an effort to thank employees often, verbally when he saw them, and with handwritten notes mailed to their homes. Cheryl, an employee of three years, was pleasantly surprised to find a note from Kevin in her mailbox. In the note, handwritten on company stationery, Kevin noted that Cheryl had been praised during several recent management meetings for working closely with a customer and thanked her for her hard work. Cheryl told Kevin the personal and unique note made her feel important, especially since she was sure Kevin had a million other things to do during the day.
All it took from Kevin to fuel up Cheryl was a few minutes to express genuine appreciation.
Here are 10 tips on employee recognition:
• Different Types of Incentives: There are various types of motivation models, from monetary (cost) to verbal (free) incentives. Therefore, each company, having a unique culture, has to determine the right model which will keep your employees motivated, safe, happy, and invested long-term in your business.
• Designing Employee Recognition Programs: Some studies have shown that recognition is listed highest in employee satisfaction. A tap on the shoulder can promote the core values and beliefs of a company while building a more engaged employee base.
• Getting The Buzz Out: Making the work environment more enjoyable is a big deal! You wouldn’t launch a new product line without advertising - would you? Communicate your recognition program with your entire staff! Tell everyone the good news!
• Start From The Top!: Feeling appreciated is an important part of the workplace dynamic. Instead of just saying “Thank you” to an employee who has been with the company for 10 years, take the time to give them some sort of tangible incentive. Providing well-thought recognition will result in better employee morale and increased productivity.
• Creating a Culture of Recognition: Studies have shown that employees in a company with a culture of recognition are 5 times more likely to feel valued; 7 times more likely to stay; and 11 times more likely to feel completely committed to their jobs and the organization’s mission.
• The Best Things Are Free!: Verbal incentives! There are so many ways that you can reward employees without writing a check; “Regular communication” coming is No. 2.
• Small Gestures Goes A Long Way: Happy employees are the biggest gain to any bottom line. Again, keeping your employees engaged in their job does not have to break the bank. Explore ways that you can offer small tokens ($5 Tims card?) that demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in your employees.
• Pulling Out The Red Carpets: Giving recognition to all of your employees is critical. When striving for excellence, sometimes you have to spend money. Having a reward that people really want to work for can benefit your company more than the cost of the reward.
• The Dos of Employee Recognition: Most employers are critically aware of the benefits of employee recognition programs. These programs can aid in increased productivity, a happier and loyal staff; lower job abandonment, and decrease absenteeism. Remember: (1) The art of the high-five; (2) Keep it exciting; (3) Is it ‘popularity’ or ‘recognition’?; (4) Is the prize motivational?;
• Maintaining Employee Recognition Programs: One of the greatest challenges any recognition program faces is maintaining momentum after the new wears off. Decades of studies have proven that people function better in environments that are based on rewarding employees rather than chastising them. Creating and maintaining an employee recognition program is never a simple task. With the help of a few basic guidelines, maintaining an effective recognition program can be simple.
Much success to you!
NEXT WEEK: Handling difficult customers.
DISCLAIMER: This article was written and presented by Fas Trac Inc. Neither the editor nor this newspaper is responsible for the content presented in this article. Fas Trac Inc. provides business consultancy for buying, streamlining, or selling a business; as well as conducting workshops on various subjects for business owners, management and employees. For more success please write [email protected].
