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Employee recognition in 2023: Why and how?

by
Chandini Mokthar
September 15, 2023
Employee recognition in 2023: Why and how?

The most successful companies recognize that the greater the level of gratitude within an organization, the stronger its performance. The data shows this simple fact — repeatedly. When employees perceive they will be recognized, they are 2.7 times more likely to feel highly engaged, as per research. This means they will be more productive and less prone to attrition. And what is the best method to introduce gratitude into the organizational culture? That’s an easy answer -- appreciation from peers – connecting individuals to a common goal through a steady flow of respect and recognition.

Employee Recognition in 2023: The What

Employee recognition is defined as the act of recognizing organizational staff for outstanding performance. Fundamentally, the purpose of employee recognition at a place of work is to reinforce specific behaviours, practices, or actions that contribute to improved productivity and positive business outcomes.

A culture of employee recognition has three facets:

  • The senior executives of this enterprise consider people to be their most valuable asset.
  • If an individual works towards the success of the organization, they are aware that they will be recognized.
  • Regular recognition enables workers to comprehend how their actions contribute to the continued prosperity of the organization.

Most would connect rewards and recognition with monetary incentives or award ceremonies, but recognition doesn't have to be expensive. It may be as straightforward as a pat on the back or a heartfelt compliment. A simple and direct "thank you" email or a cordial statement during a meeting can also have the same effect.

The Why Behind Employee Recognition: 8 Benefits

When staff members feel valued, they are more involved, inspired, and inclined to go above and beyond, for the organization. Typically, companies with formal recognition programs have reduced voluntary attrition rates. There are several other reasons why employee recognition is so important in 2023:

1. Recognition builds trust between workers and the company

Rewarding employees promote a trusting environment between employers and workers. When employers recognize employee efforts, the company demonstrates its appreciation for their work and fosters departmental cooperation.

2. Your employer brand will improve

When an employee is publicly rewarded, it enhances the company's reputation and strengthens connections with consumers and its large-scale clients.

3. Everyone is motivated to perform better

Rewarding or incentivizing employee achievements motivate them to aspire for progress and prosperity. Recognizing individuals for their diligence and perseverance can have a beneficial impact on their productivity, raising the bar for their coworkers.

4. Employees will work more efficiently

Rewarding employees for prompt and effective task completion or for generating innovative ideas encourages a rapid work tempo and higher efficiency. This reduces costs, increases revenues, and eventually boosts the company's profits.

5. Recognition has positive effects on employee wellbeing

Recognizing an employee's efforts can have a positive effect on morale, leading to greater job satisfaction, deeper engagement, and improved mental wellness for the team as a whole. In addition, it lets them feel more invested in the business and its objectives, creating a stronger sense of belonging.

6. It is central to a psychologically safe workplace

Public acclaim fosters a psychologically safe setting where workers are emboldened to express their ideas and opinions. Witnessing coworkers being publicly thanked makes everyone feel more thankful and confident.

7. Employees become brand advocates

Recognition is bidirectional. When the contributions and accomplishments of employees are acknowledged, they become energized, engaged, and motivated. This pushes them to become brand advocates for their organization.

8. You need recognition to support remote and hybrid work

Recognizing employees is an integral component of any business, but it is especially important in a blended or hybrid work environment.  Employers can establish trust, encourage a feeling of team cohesion, and encourage communication and collaboration by routinely recognizing employees.

How to Implement Employee Recognition?

As a first step, convince your leadership team that the benefits of an employee recognition program will outweigh the costs. Evaluate the employee-based enhancements that might be implemented within the organization and consider how recognition may be able to meet a few of your specific requirements. Next, determine your definition of achievement. Does it reduce absenteeism? Or produce improved diversity metrics?

Then, select the different forms of recognition you need to provide. Recognition for mere presence, such as on a person's birthday, increases the perception that their leadership is mindful of them. An employee's sense of belonging to a community is enhanced by the acknowledgement of group triumphs. As you construct your model, bear in mind the many dimensions of life as a worker and as an individual.

Invite employee feedback and organize the unveiling of your program. The program should be accessible to all organization members. Lastly, assess the outcomes and regularly update/reinvent the program.

Final Thoughts

It is essential that recognition is a company-wide practice. Recognition should be an integral component of your workplace mission statement and company values. Knowing the why and the how of employee recognition can help choose the right strategy for your company – so that employees aren’t just fairly compensated, but they feel rewarded, recognized, and valued as key stakeholders in your company.

Chandini Mokthar
Chandini Mokthar
VP, People & Culture
Chandini Mokhtar is the VP- People & Culture of Moolya and plays a pivotal role in defining Moolya’s overall culture and value. As a true People leader, she is highly focussed on elevating culture and helping organisations to navigate the cultural transformation. Chandini has been a talent acquisition specialist, talent specialist, and a talent acquisition consultant with extensive experience in the domain of defining people culture and ensuring a positive work environment. In a constantly changing environment, she creates an agile employee experience and keeps her team flexible enough to accommodate any changes.
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