As humans, we respond to stimuli in order to adapt and survive – every action has a reaction and when this reaction is bad, we learn from it, improve, and move on.
When we get a positive reaction, however, we become motivated to chase the same outcome and follow the same recipe to get the same good result. The way we operate in the work environment is no exception. There are some seriously beneficial effects of recognition of an organization’s employees.
Recognition and the extra mile.
Everyone works for money. That’s what is needed to survive, but what really motivates employees to take that extra step is recognition! Knowing that their hard work gets seen and feeling like they add value is the driving force behind all the extra steps they decide to take for the company. After all, 83% of HR professionals confirmed that recognition of employees’ work and efforts leads to increased engagement which in turn, leads to business growth.
It boosts morale.
There’s no need to spend a fortune on a guest speaker to come and inspire your employees. Simply acknowledging the work that employees do is the most cost-effective motivator and not even a promotion can top that. The sense of pride that sprouts from recognition are what makes all the difference in the work that employees deliver, and this will, of course, greatly benefit the company in the long run.
It adds to company culture.
Every company wants to be able to say that they have a good thing going when it comes to their culture, but what really sets any organization apart from the rest, is how, or if, they give credit where it’s due. The feeling of family isn’t just born from managerial recognition, but also stems from acknowledgment and praise from peers. This will confirm what every employee wants to be sure of – that they are a great fit for their role, and everyone knows it.
Aids in employee retention.
It’s often said that employees don’t really leave their job, but rather their bosses. On top of this, many have also said that they left purely because of a lack of recognition. Companies that pay close attention and take care to praise employees for their good work and sacrifice, can see close to 50% greater employee retention according to SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). This is a staggering percentage as a result of something ‘so small’ as saying: “We see what you do here, and we appreciate it.”
It contributes toward employee advocacy.
There is no better source to ask about a company than the people who spend their days there – employees. Such credible sources serve as excellent advocates for the company and become the voice of their organization if they’re surrounded by a positive, encouraging environment at work. Employees who are satisfied with their environment will also be much more likely to recommend their workplace to others and this can build a good base for marketing-related activities or building connections with potential partners and clients.
