Why recognize?
Thoughtful recognition is a powerful reminder about how you and others act and interact to support each other, customers and the company every day! Sharing recognition provides everyone the ability to see these actions – allowing employees to learn from each other and focus more on “when we do things right.”
What's the value?
When we get good at recognizing those who do their job well or go above and beyond their role, individual employees benefit in many ways.
When you recognize others, it helps you:
- Focus on the positive: “I was having a stressful day and was starting to get frustrated by my workload. I took a moment to recognize someone who has been helping me, and it really turned my attitude around. I already feel more successful and supported.”
- Build relationships with others: “I really couldn’t do my job without the help of the marketing team. I recognize them so they know their hard work matters to me – and so they know that while I sometimes ask for quicker turnaround, I am not taking them for granted.”
- Send a message about what matters: “I have been struggling to get people to listen to the deadlines for submitting expenses. Lately I've recognized the people who consistently meet the expense deadline and called out how that helps me get my work done. I know others have seen those posts and have been reminded to keep those deadlines in mind. I’d rather send the message that way than harp on people!”
Being recognized helps people on your team:
- Feel more respected: "I was really working hard on that project and put in some extra time outside of work. I'm really proud that my efforts were evident to others and that they see the impact of what I do!"
- Better see the purpose and importance of their work: "I was surprised to get recognized for how I handled that customer interaction. I didn't realize the customer was so connected in the community. It means a lot to see how my actions might have a real impact on how someone like that talks about our company!"
- Build better relationships at work: "It was so nice of Steve to notice the extra effort I put forth in that meeting. I don't work with him a lot, but I will keep an eye out for more opportunities to help his team."
When we read recognition, it helps us all to:
- Have a better understanding of other groups: "I learned from a recognition post that IT is really busy right now. I need help, but I know another resource who can probably get me what I need and is likely to turn the request around more quickly."
- Better understand leadership expectations: "I noticed that our regional VP recognized someone for cleaning up a conference room after a meeting because of the impact it has when we have visitors. I never thought about it in that way. I hope I didn't come off as being disrespectful – I should start paying more attention to picking up after meetings."
- Get better at our job/role: "I just read a post about Jane who is doing a great job using our new scheduling system. I'm a little confused by it and concerned I'll use it wrong. I'll go ask Jane a quick question to save myself time."
- Feel inspired by the impact of their team/colleagues: "Wow! I love reading stories about how our customer service reps help customers. They are really creative and committed to the people we help."
Strategic recognition also has an effect on the company as a whole. It leads to:
- Increased engagement and productivity: The more employees feel the benefits listed above, the more likely they are to give their best efforts to support the company. This leads to improvements in countless areas, for example, faster problem-solving, fewer mistakes, additional above and beyond actions, etc.
- Reductions in unwanted turnover: When top performers feel that their work is appreciated, they are less likely to look elsewhere for a job. As recognition is established, our clients see more and more people who are willing to stay even if offered a similar job elsewhere.
- Increased focus on the most important goals: As high-impact actions are acknowledged and discussed, employees are reminded about the goals that the company is focused on. These reminders do a lot to drive the results that are most important to the company.
While it can sometimes take practice to get into the habit of regular recognition, there is no doubt that building a culture of recognition is beneficial to all.
How can I help?
- Continue doing what you do best: Creating positive experiences for customers and each other.
- Integrate your company values more consistently into your day.
- Publish recognition posts about fellow employees delivering the experience.
- Comment on recognition that is especially exciting to you.
- Share recognition stories that have a big impact or that others might not know about.