If you have ever felt that your efforts are taken for granted, especially in your workplace, then you know how much being appreciated and recognized is essential in boosting your morale. When employees feel underappreciated, their willpower to work harder is affected. This results in an adverse effect on the company’s overall productivity. This said, leaders have an active duty to recognize their employees. Employee recognition not only boosts their confidence, but it also allows you to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
When your employees feel that they have a good relationship with you, they are more likely to improve their productivity. Additionally, they can easily approach you and share ideas for enhancing the business’s operational strategy. By encouraging constructive employee engagement, you are able to capitalize on their strengths, cut unnecessary costs, and have plenty of time to work on important issues. Here are some ways you can recognize your employees.
Use of challenge coins
A challenge coin is a unique and specially designed medallion or coin given to members of a particular organization and can be used to recognize their efforts. The coins usually carry the name and identity of the organization and are a symbol of membership or special achievement from an organization. Challenge coins are essential since they provide a sense of belonging to employees, which increases their morale and productivity. They can carry any form or shape and are usually made of metals ranging from zinc, brass, platinum, silver, bronze, and gold. They are a relatively cheap investment for a company that wants its employees to stand out.
Take them out for lunch or plan a dinner
Employees would love a free lunch, especially if it’s from their boss. It shows that you care about them and would sacrifice your time to have a casual one on one conversation with them. This will allow you to know your employees better, and they will also get to understand your personality outside the workplace. Another way of recognizing your employees is by taking lunch to them.
Plan for a party or fun competition
Recognizing your employees’ efforts does not have to be rewarding them with gifts. It can also involve giving your employees a break from their regular routines by planning a corporate party, competition, or even a trip for the ultimate relaxation. This shows that you know and appreciate their efforts. Consider a baking competition or even an outdoor physical competition that will expose your employees’ hidden talents. There are so many options – so get creative!
Allow employees to share their ideas
Employees feel appreciated when they are heard. Employees understand and implement the daily operational strategies and are in a better position to advise the management on the best direction to take. By letting them make decisions on behalf of the company, they will feel trusted and valued. This allows the company to cut on unnecessary costs as well as increasing production.
Recognize your employees by highlighting the best performing employees
Employee recognition can be by highlighting the employee of the week. Considering the profound tech changes in the modern world today, a good idea would be social media recognition. You can highlight the employee of the week on the company’s social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn.
Assist your employees in accomplishing their personal goals
Employees have their personal objectives apart from their work. This could be in the form of completing a course or even buying a house, among others. You could interact with them and guide them on how to achieve their goals. An example is looking for suitable courses and sending them via email.
Employee recognition is vital in improving your relationship with your employees. It is also a great way to maintain and improve your company’s productivity and employee interaction & engagement in the working environment. Keeping the right employees in the long term is a key factor that facilitates the business’s consistency and significant growth. It is important to remember that employees are essential assets.
