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Workplace Recognition For Improved Employee Motivation And Performance
Say ‘thank you’ for a job well done (in words, with gifts or by some other form of workplace recognition) and staff will feel more motivated and work even better for you. In turn, this’ll enhance client loyalty and improve your bottom line.
Sounds simple. However, many UK companies are failing to capitalise on the link between workplace recognition and employee motivation.
HR Magazine cites the research by ORC International, which surveyed around 7,000 staff across 20 countries. UK employees came second from bottom (above Japan and Hong Kong) in relation to their engagement with work.
The survey also found that just 37% of UK workers felt they were encouraged by management to be innovative. Nor were relationships between staff and managers considered to be very positive.
‘Encouraging innovative ideas, creative thinking and providing an environment where employees feel managers act in their best interest are just some aspects to improving engagement,’ says Kate Pritchard, head of employee research at ORC International.
Similarly, Forbes highlights a study by Bersin and Associates, which reveals that businesses with high levels of workplace recognition enjoy 31% lower staff turnover rates. ‘Basic psychology,’ it says, ‘indicates that employees who are affirmed for good behavior are more likely to repeat those actions, and that, in the long run, will build a stronger company.’
Choosing The Right Reward
But Forbes warns that it’s not just about ‘rattling off compliments’ – it’s important to have a strategy for workplace recognition. It emphasises that timing is key when it comes to staff rewards, and to ‘wait until it’s well deserved’. Be specific and highlight exactly why and for what piece of work or action the person is being rewarded.
Also, think about how rewards are delivered. ‘To some employees,’ says Forbes, ‘the best recognition is when it’s presented in front of the entire company, acknowledged by everyone with a roaring round of applause. But for others, public recognition is embarrassing and awkward – they would much prefer a one-on-one meeting in the privacy of your office.’
Workplace recognition doesn’t always have to be verbal either – it can be equally effective when it comes in the form of an email, letter or card.
Long service awards have been popular for many years. While length of service is still recognised, today’s employment patterns tend to be more transient. Organisations have subsequently adapted to mark shorter but important intervals such as six months, one year, three years and so on.
Team incentives can also be used to enhance performance to communicate overall business goals. They can motivate groups of employees, foster closer cooperation and help achieve sales or performance targets. They also serve to encourage a sense of common ownership of tasks and goals.
Next Steps
Everyone likes to be recognised for what they do. A non-monetary employee incentive and workplace recognition scheme, designed specifically to your business, can make a positive impact on how you are perceived by employees and customers.
Arcadia’s online rewards management platform and catalogue allows you to tailor the right solution for your business requirements. Constantly updated, it contains more than 1,500 high quality premium products, gift cards and experiences from some of the world’s top brands, including Apple, Sony, Nikon, Canon, Bose, Beats, Hot Diamonds, Tag Heuer, Mont Blanc, Motorola, Swarovski, Pentax, Olympus, Pure, Samsung, Philips, Tom Tom, Garmin, Microsoft and Armani.
For more information about workplace recognition and incentive schemes, contact our friendly sales team at sales@arcadiaonline.co.uk or call +44(0) 845 130 2620.
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