One of the most significant indicators of individuals enjoying their work, feeling fulfilled, and even inspired is the ability of employees to feel valued. While organizations will initially focus on compensation and benefits, the recreation room, and Friday pizza, while all are useful, the overriding influence is that of words of appreciation.
It is a basic human instinct to want to belong and feel a part of a community, and while employers and managers may believe they show their team appreciation through gestures, it is not enough. We want to be told we are doing well. Employees who feel recognized are 63% more likely to remain with an organization. In comparison, 44% of employees who did not feel they received recognition attribute that as a critical contributing factor to moving on.
As leaders, managers, and even peers, we make the time to correct individuals or point out work issues. Yet, how often do we deliberately and intentionally seek out a colleague and direct reports to show appreciation? It takes little to recognize someone, and not only the recipient benefits but the person giving too. Moreover, the results are tangible, with productivity increasing by 31% when employees are happy and the likelihood of then repeating a task of positive recognition being 92%.
To create a culture of positive recognition, organizations can institute simple steps into daily activities that encourage all staff to embrace the concept, including making it a part of daily huddles, team meetings, and 1:1 meetings. In addition, a “thank you, board, physical or digital, can be used for peer recognition.
Tony De Cicco, the 1999 Women’s World Cup-winning coach, emphasizes in his book ‘Catch Them Being Good’ that recognizing individual accomplishments, no matter how small, and showing one’s appreciation, is the basis for building a solid, high-performing team.
Regardless of the challenge or reward, you are working towards, you need a team that is empowered and feels valued—increasing productivity and having a happy workplace is your job after all.
What a wonderful return on effort.
