Workplace Recognition

Last month we asked you to select what type of recognition you appreciate in the workspace: public, private, peer-to-peer, manager-to-employee, and anonymous recognition. Surprisingly, public recognition was the least popular of them all, while peer-to-peer, manager-to-employee and private recognition were selected the most. No matter what type of praise you benefit from the most, employee recognition can be one of the most valuable parts of office culture. Here are some helpful strategies to keep in mind to make sure employees feel recognized and appreciated. 

Be Specific 

When it comes to celebrating an employee’s accomplishments, it’s important to be specific and reference a certain task or project they excelled at throughout the conversation. Not only will the recognition feel more genuine, but it will also provide the employee with an example of their best work and how they can emulate that in the future. 

Don’t Wait Too Long 

If you see an employee doing a great job, don’t hesitate to speak up and let them know. Recognition that comes months after the work has been completed can hold less meaning than immediate praise for a job well done. By prioritizing employee recognition in a timely fashion, the praise will feel authentic, which in turn boosts employee happiness. 

Ask Employees How They Want to Be Celebrated

Everyone is different, and that means every employee may have a different preference when it comes to being recognized in the organization. While some people prefer a more public setting, others may feel more comfortable receiving praise in private. A great way to get a sense of what each employee wants is to send out a company-wide email where employees can select what feels best for them. 

Recognize the Big and the Small 

While success in major projects certainly deserves to be recognized, it can be valuable to recognize the smaller successes that occur within the organization on a daily or weekly basis. Recognizing how each person contributes in their own unique way can help build employee morale and improve office culture. 

A successful organization is built upon the success of its employees. Keep these tips in mind and remember to recognize your employees for what they are: tremendously valuable. 

3M has committed to recognizing the hard work of healthcare workers everywhere. Check out this video to see how a 3M employee (and father of a nurse) is leading the company’s efforts to direct critical PPE equipment to frontline workers.