Engagement and Recognition--A Perfect Match

The more personally invested we are in something, the more it matters. This is true of our relationships, our health, and how we spend our free time. We are more likely to put more effort into things that are meaningful to us and, the more meaningful something is, the more we want to contribute. This is also true of employees and their work.

Showing appreciation strengthens any relationship

Employers are in a relationship with employees and for employees to care about the business, they have to feel appreciated. Employee engagement is the level of personal investment a person has in his or her work. It means being actively involved, caring about the results, working together, working well, and giving your best. In return, the organization gives employees its best—starting with a culture of recognition.

Employee recognition is acknowledgment and appreciation for contributions to the agency’s mission. It can be as simple as a shout-out during a staff meeting, a hand written thank you note or more formal such as a commendation letter and extra time off.

Consistent and authentic recognition is a powerful tool management can use to improve employee engagement as well as job satisfaction, reduce turnover, increase productivity, boost morale, and build purpose. And, it makes employees happier.

10 Simple Recognition Ideas that Work

Celebrate together...birthdays, work anniversaries, other milestones.

Recognize the non-work achievements of staff (education, volunteer work, etc.).

Host “Learning Lunches” for staff to share hobbies, expertise or interests with coworkers.

Provide an anonymous suggestion box to show staff you value their input.

Award certificates or rotate a trophy to acknowledge achievements and fun, lighter moments.

Set up a coffee/tea bar in the break area. Use voluntary donations to fund it.

Ask leadership to recognize employees for exemplary work (meetings, newsletters, etc).

Make it easy for your staff to show appreciation for each other with “Cheers for Peers.”

Start “Crushed It Friday Happy Hour” or other weekly gathering to highlight accomplishments.

Write a thank you note or simply say, “Thank you” regularly and consistently.

Let’s go beyond years of service awards and recognize employees for a job well done on a regular basis. Every day is an opportunity for managers, supervisors and co-workers to thank employees for their contributions.