Recognition Can Have Major Impacts on Engagement

Employees are under more strain than ever, and employers increasingly are being asked to do more with less. Keeping rapidly burning-out workers engaged while finances are strapped seems like bailing out the Titanic with a hand shovel. However, there are cost-effective interventions available that can promote employee well-being, increase engagement, and reduce turnover. Namely: recognition. Studies have shown that even symbolic recognition can have real-world, positive benefits. While financial incentives are more impactful, in their absence, a letter of recognition from their manager, a shout-out on a team huddle, or a thank-you card for a job well done does make a difference. The data indicates that positive feedback from key stakeholders (leadership) is essential in keeping social-driven employees motivated. Instituting a symbolic awards program doesn’t need to be a daunting task, either. It can be as simple as writing short, personalized notes expressing gratitude for employees’ work, offering public recognition at a team meeting, or hosting a celebratory call-in response to a successful project. The key is to let people know their hard work isn’t going unnoticed.