Using Employee Recognition to Drive Success - two men sitting a table in office setting looking at iPad

Using Employee Recognition to Drive Success

Amelia Wilcox
March 9, 2016
October 9, 2022
HR

Wondering what the big deal is with employee recognition? Recent studies show that showing employees appreciation for their work can affect your overall business productivity.

See how employee appreciation can drive your business to be more successful and how to get started.    

How employee appreciation can boost business

Employee Recognition Programs: How to Get Ahead by Saying Thanks

Employee recognition is more than just a pat on the back. A robust appreciation program can improve employee happiness, help retain good workers, and yes even affect a company's overall performance.

Related: 5 Steps to Increase Employee Happiness

As recently reported by the Society for Human Resource Management, regularly recognizing workers for a job well done has become a necessary part of doing business.

(Click here for SHRM's article on employee appreciation.)

Making Recognition Personal

By tying recognition programs to a company's goals, values, and mission, companies are able to leverage the kind of focused work they want from their employees.

For example, if "innovation" is a key value for your company, make sure you're rewarding anyone who demonstrates that value at any time.

Or if "teamwork" is a high priority, then team members need to be publicly and privately acknowledged when they go above and beyond for their team members. Maybe one employee took an earful of complaints from a disgruntled client so that others wouldn't have to -- give that person some appreciation! Don't wait until it's annual review time to try to remember anything note-worthy anyone did all year.  

There's an App for That

The latest craze in employee appreciation is apps, programs, and digital services that make employee recognition streamlined and data driven.  These programs allow managers to keep tabs on morale and give everyone a boost with recognition on a regular basis.

Read more here: Top 7 Employee Recognition Apps and Programs

Ways to Show Employee Appreciation

Oh, let me count the ways....

1. Say thanks!

Literally say the words "thank you" to an employee. Tell them something they did that was noticed and appreciated. Simple as that. That moves us to the next point...  

2. Start noticing

Reframe the idea that your workers do good work because you pay them to. In fact, employees do good work because it's personally rewarding to have pride in the work they do. So start noticing that.  

3. Shout it from the rooftops

Literally or metaphorically? You be the judge. Give employees recognition in front of their peers in the employee newsletter, in social media, on the breakroom bulletin board, or in a company-wide email.  

4. Up your benefits game

Go beyond the basics and start offering a more robust benefits package.  

5. Provide onsite services

Massage, car detailing, free food, phones, laptops, spa services, the list could go on and on. Anything you can do to make your employees lives easier, especially while they're at work, will go a long way.  

Stop stacking benefits. Start being well. Set a Nivati demo

Disclaimer

By participating in/reading the service/website/blog/email series on this website, you acknowledge that this is a personal website/blog and is for informational purposes and should not be seen as mental health care advice. You should consult with a licensed professional before you rely on this website/blog’s information. All things written on this website should not be seen as therapy treatment and should not take the place of therapy or any other health care or mental health advice. Always seek the advice of a mental health care professional or physician. The content on this blog is not meant to and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Amelia Wilcox
Amelia Wilcox
Amelia Wilcox is the Founder and CEO of Nivati, a leader in corporate massage and employee mental health support since 2010. Her high-growth B2B company provides employee stress management tools that arm businesses with actionable data and positive employee experiences to improve wellbeing, boost morale, and increase engagement. Amelia has exponentially grown her company from a solo living-room service business to an international technology brand.