Southborough, Mass., and Dublin, Ireland (Vocus/PRWEB) May 19, 2009 --Many companies invest millions on employee recognition programs, yet a huge percentage fail to measure the effectiveness of these programs, leaving their CEOs in the dark on how recognition efforts are impacting the organization and its employees. A recent study conducted by recognition strategist and technology provider Globoforce showed that a staggering 42 percent of organizations are not measuring the results of their recognition programs in any way. That fact was mirrored by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development's annual survey, which showed that a full 68 percent of companies are not assessing the impact of rewards programs.

In its recently released white paper, 'Measuring Recognition: How to Build the Business Case for Strategic Recognition in a Recession,' Globoforce advises that businesses take the following five steps for measurement success:

1. Determine the Metrics of Recognition Success - The success of any program requires a clear understanding of what defines success prior to program launch. All too many programs are measured on tactics such as number of awards given, which has no relevance on overall strategic objectives. Rather, companies should base metrics on elements such as:

1. Costs vs. Outcomes

2. Productivity and Performance Gains

3. Company Values and Strategic Objectives

4. Program Reach

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