Changing the way organizations think about employee recognition.

// 05.27.2010 //

Tell Me Something Good

One of the elements of a successful recognition strategy is communication. How do you keep employee appreciation on the hearts and minds of managers and employees? How do you keep the message fresh and on the front burner?

Research suggests that employees need to receive recognition or praise every seven days to feel valued and connected to the organization. In the last 7 days have you received recognition or praise for great work? Have you given it? Recognition is circular. A culture of appreciation starts within your immediate sphere of influence.

In my TAG, You’re It! Workshop, Building a Culture of Thanks, Appreciation & Gratitude, participants agree that frequent recognition is critical to engage, motivate, and retain staff. It’s just a matter of making it a habit — and integrating it into the way we interact with our coworkers and staff. What most of us need is a little nudge or an intranet website that offers ideas and tips, like how to write a thank you note. Here are some ideas to get you thinking:

Screen Saver or Sign in Message: Imagine an employee signs in on their computer at the beginning of his or her shift and sees a photo of another employee with a caption that says, “Go ahead. Make my day!” Recognize someone today!

Use “call to action” messages like, “Who are the difference makers?” Who are the people who make a big difference in small ways every single day? Without them, things would fall apart.

Create a Tell Me Something Good wall, Star Search Bulletin Board, or online appreciation board where employees can recognize one another or post their own professional or personal achievements. One organization created “It’s raining recognition wall,” by downloading giant raindrops from www.bucketbook.com and printing them on brightly colored cardstock.

Thankful Thursdays….Fan Mail Friday. Create a calendar of recognition ideas and events and change them up each month.

Some organizations have Recognition Toolkits filled with low cost items to promote peer-to-peer appreciation. In fact, that is the topic of our next Recognition Roundtable on May 4. Visit the Events page for more info.

Recognition is a powerful communication tool to let employees know what’s important in the organization. Your recognition communication strategy should include multiple vehicles and channels employees can dial into — both formally and informally. Thank on!

Theresa Chambers, Chief Motivation Officer of Recognition Works, is available for onsite presentations, workshops, and webinars.

« // »