From quiet quitting to “bare minimum Mondays,” America’s latest work trends reveal that many employees are burned out on the job. In fact, Gen Z, who is just starting to enter the workforce in significant numbers, have already experienced it in college, and 80% of them are worried about having to deal with it in their professional careers. One way to combat the dark cloud of burnout is to ensure your employees feel appreciated at work.
In early 2024, Gallup polls found that more than half of employees were actively looking for new jobs. However, employees who receive regular and high-quality recognition are 45% less likely to leave. These employees are also up to nine times as likely to be engaged, which can drive down absenteeism and turnover, while boosting productivity and profitability.
Creating an Employee Recognition Program That Works
It’s important to realize that employee recognition isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s best to consult your workforce about the ways they like to be recognized. Still, research shows that most employees like recognition that is:
- Authentic: It’s given for genuine reasons
- Personal: It’s specific to the person receiving it
- Fair: It’s given objectively with standards that apply to all
- Regular: It’s offered on an ongoing basis
When your employee recognition program meets these standards, it’s more likely to land well with employees and make them feel truly cared for.
Ideas for Incorporating Employee Recognition in Your Organization
Employee recognition is crucial, but it can also be daunting. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some simple ideas you can begin implementing immediately.
Lunch With Leadership
Almost a quarter of employees say their most memorable recognition came in the form of personalized feedback from the company CEO. Consider having company leadership host lunch with your top performers to get to know them and commend them for their work. This can help employees bridge the gap with higher-ups and feel valued at every level.
Public Shout-Outs
Team meetings are a perfect time to recognize specific employee accomplishments that have resulted in team success. Additionally, you can do employee shout-outs via social media or a company-wide Employee of the Month board. Recognizing employees in front of their peers can increase morale and pride in their work.
Personalized Notes
Remember that not all employees love public praise. For the ones who don’t, you can write a personalized hand-written note. Ensure your note expresses sincere appreciation for work that is specific to the employee. This note can become a keepsake they’ll cherish and come back to when they need encouragement.
Peer Recognition Programs
Having peers recognize each other for their great performance can make employees feel more supported by their team and help strengthen relationships. You may consider developing a system that allows employees to give each other points they can use toward rewards like company swag or gift cards.
Flexible Work Arrangements
Today’s employees appreciate having flexibility in their work, as it helps them achieve greater work-life balance. To show appreciation and help employees take much-needed breaks, consider rewarding their hard work with a few remote days, arranging flexible Fridays, or otherwise allowing them to choose their own schedules or work locations.
Birthday and Anniversary Celebrations
A birthday cake and balloons can go a long way in helping employees see that they are appreciated for who they are, not just what they do. You may also consider recognizing employee work anniversaries, especially when they hit significant milestones like 5, 10, or 20 years. Celebrations can help you build a culture of collaboration and camaraderie and give employees something to look forward to.
Personal and Professional Development
Every employee wants a chance to flourish both at work and in their personal lives. One way you can show you’re invested in their development is to give them the gift of education. Consider paying for an employee to attend a conference or an online certificate program to increase their skill set. If you want to invest in their personal growth, give them time to work on a creative hobby or interest.
Showing Employees That Your Care Is What Keeps Them Around
Ultimately, your employees just want to know that you care about them and that the work they do for your organization matters. Employee recognition programs help you build a workplace culture that continually demonstrates this. They tell employees that they’re important to the team and that their contribution makes a lasting impact.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your HR practices to boost morale and engagement and prevent turnover, Focus HR is here to help. Request a consultation with our experts and let us show you how to develop HR practices that ensure employees feel appreciated at every turn.
