With millions of employees leaving the workplace in the last year and a half, you may want to rethink your employee retention plan. A Forbes article from April 2024 lists 15 effective strategies for employee retention, one of which is “Recognize and Reward Your Employees for Their Work.”
According to David Grossman, founder & CEO of The Grossman Group, “Recognition isn’t about just layering on the accolades in all their forms … it’s about leaders and managers truly buying into an authentic culture of appreciation, one in which employees feel seen, heard and acknowledged for extraordinary work.” By creating a culture where employees consistently receive recognition by a manager or leader, they are more likely to recommend the company to others and are less likely to suffer from burnout.
For an employee recognition program to work, Forbes recommends several steps:
- Focus: What values define your organization? Recognize and celebrate those behaviors that reflect what your company is all about.
- Have Clear Champions: Are the top leaders excited about recognizing the employees? Discussing and getting them on board sends the right message that recognition for excellence matters.
- Lead by Example: Does your company leadership reflect the values you want your employees to demonstrate? Employees need to see these values in action from the top down.
- Be Inclusive: Is your company recognizing those who work behind the scenes as well as those on the front lines? Make sure every team and department are included.
- Tell Their Stories: Do other employees know why a particular person was recognized? Whether through social media, company newsletter or meeting, make the story of success known throughout the organization.
- Make It Special: What way can you best celebrate and recognize the employee for their success? The recognition should be made at the right time and place.
- Include Peers: Do you have ways for employees to recognize their peers? Allowing employees to celebrate one another through written notes and verbal accolades contributes to a positive work culture.
Employee recognition does not have to be a grandiose affair. In fact, some employees may appreciate a simple “thank you” versus an official announcement. In a recent article from Ramsey Solutions, the writer offers “10 Easy Ways to Show Employee Appreciation.” These are basic strategies that help you incorporate appreciation into your workplace culture.
- When you see it, say it.
It is important to speak up when you see an employee doing a great job. Words of praise spoken in the moment can have a huge impact. Offer appreciation for a job well done as well as when the employee exhibits company values.
- Take a walk.
It’s easy to get caught up in your own tasks and forget to be aware of what other team members are doing. Set a personal alarm or schedule a time each day to walk around the building to identify those who are excelling at their jobs.
- Let your customers do the talking.
When a customer informs you of an employee who has gone the “extra mile” and represented the company well, share this in a staff meeting.
- Put it in writing.
A handwritten thank you card can have a greater impact than you realize. The extra effort and thought to show appreciation for a job well done helps employees feel seen and valued.
- Catch them off guard.
Include something “extra” with that handwritten thank you note, like a gift card, cash, or other similar gift. Even a note to a spouse to express their appreciation and support of the hardworking employee is a unique way to recognize the effort.
- Say, “Happy birthday.”
Celebrating birthdays and work anniversaries is another way to bring attention to an employee. Not for anything specific, but simply for being a part of the team. Birthday cards, decorating work areas, or a birthday email can be a special gesture.
- Reserve a spot.
Hitting a milestone like working five, ten or fifteen (and more years) is a major accomplishment. Honor that employee by designating a parking spot for their years of service and loyalty to the company.
- Shout it out.
Weekly meetings are a great time to offer “shout-outs” for one another. Don’t forget to allow employees to have an opportunity to boost their coworkers.
- Think (and cheer) outside the box.
If you hear about successes outside of the workplace, such as a birth, wedding, engagement, running a marathon, earning an award, etc., make a point to acknowledge those as well. It lets your team know that you care about their lives beyond the workday.
- Get creative.
Need more ideas? Try one of these: company gear, gift cards, framed notes, free car wash/auto detail, one-on-one lunch out, staff outings, food/coffee trucks, dessert delivery
Showing your employees you appreciate their hard work and dedication is never a wrong decision. People want to know that their work is valued and that they play an integral role in the success of the company.
