Employee Recognition Programs

Employee recognition is the act of showing appreciation for someone in a way that is meaningful to them. It can take on various forms, such as peer-to-peer, manager-led, and executive-led recognition. The sky’s the limit when it comes to recognition—whether it’s for the work they’ve done, a special milestone, or just to acknowledge their awesome personal traits.

Imagine grinding away at work each day, but no one stops to say thank you. That’s a recipe for disengagement. Recognizing employees makes them feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s essential for creating an uplifting and inclusive work environment. Recognition is also a great way to reinforce desired outcomes, values, and behaviors. 

Here are some examples of recognition in the workplace to give your strategy the holistic attention it deserves: 

1. Value-driven spot recognition: Did someone achieve something noteworthy for the team or company? Send a note or compliment them in person. Be timely and specific. 
2. High-performer nominations: Have team members nominate their peers for employee of the month. You can align this recognition with company values to promote your culture. 
3. Team accomplishments: Let teams celebrate together when they have collectively achieved a win. Reward them all with points and good food so everyone can feel appreciated.

Every employee is different, with unique preferences and interests. It’s best to ask each one how they like to be complimented and recognized. Here are some ideas to get the ball rolling: 

Recognize often: Everyone wants to be recognized. No task or project is too small or commonplace to warrant recognition. By setting up recognition software where all workforce members have access to appreciation tools, you can easily turn employee recognition into a regular part of your company culture. Decide on public or private recognition: Don’t push someone in front of a crowd if it makes them feel embarrassed. Get to know your team members to tailor recognition to their preferences. Your recognition program should reflect your workforce.

Here are a few best practices to follow: 

Define clear criteria: It’s important to be clear about what you’re celebrating. What kinds of behavior or achievements do you want to recognize?

Involve employees in the process: Get everyone involved. Ask employees what they think works and what doesn’t.

Make recognition meaningful: When someone does a great job, make sure to recognize them in a way that is personalized and heartfelt. 

Measure the program’s effectiveness: Does it motivate people to do their best? Do employees feel appreciated? Track relevant KPIs (e.g., engagement scores, and absenteeism rates) to ensure the program is working.

Recognition software can automate many tasks, saving a lot of time for HR professionals. You can track and manage all recognition activities in one place. And no matter where teams reside, everyone can send one another support from anywhere. Awardco integrates with your existing communication tools (like Slack or Microsoft Teams) to streamline the transition.