Wondering what the big deal is with employee recognition? Recent studies show that showing employees appreciation for their work can affect your overall business productivity.

See how employee appreciation can drive your business to be more successful and how to get started.    

Employee Recognition Programs: How to Get Ahead by Saying Thanks

Employee recognition is more than just a pat on the back. A robust appreciation program can improve employee happiness, help retain good workers, and yes even affect a company's overall performance.

Related: 5 Steps to Increase Employee Happiness

As recently reported by the Society for Human Resource Management, regularly recognizing workers for a job well done has become a necessary part of doing business.

(Click here for SHRM's article on employee appreciation.)

Making Recognition Personal

By tying recognition programs to a company's goals, values, and mission, companies are able to leverage the kind of focused work they want from their employees.

For example, if "innovation" is a key value for your company, make sure you're rewarding anyone who demonstrates that value at any time.

Or if "teamwork" is a high priority, then team members need to be publicly and privately acknowledged when they go above and beyond for their team members. Maybe one employee took an earful of complaints from a disgruntled client so that others wouldn't have to -- give that person some appreciation! Don't wait until it's annual review time to try to remember anything note-worthy anyone did all year.  

There's an App for That

The latest craze in employee appreciation is apps, programs, and digital services that make employee recognition streamlined and data driven.  These programs allow managers to keep tabs on morale and give everyone a boost with recognition on a regular basis.

Read more here: Top 7 Employee Recognition Apps and Programs

Ways to Show Employee Appreciation

Oh, let me count the ways....

1. Say thanks!

Literally say the words "thank you" to an employee. Tell them something they did that was noticed and appreciated. Simple as that. That moves us to the next point...  

2. Start noticing

‍Reframe the idea that your workers do good work because you pay them to. In fact, employees do good work because it's personally rewarding to have pride in the work they do. So start noticing that.  

3. Shout it from the rooftops

‍Literally or metaphorically? You be the judge. Give employees recognition in front of their peers in the employee newsletter, in social media, on the breakroom bulletin board, or in a company-wide email.  

4. Up your benefits game

‍Go beyond the basics and start offering a more robust benefits package.  

5. Provide onsite services

‍Massage, car detailing, free food, phones, laptops, spa services, the list could go on and on. Anything you can do to make your employees lives easier, especially while they're at work, will go a long way.  

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Disclaimer

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