The Benefits of Employee Recognition

Posted on April 5th, 2023 by Alicia Alexander

Even a fist bump and thank you count as employee recognition.

At gThankYou, we are obviously strong advocates of employee recognition – we’ve built our business upon this principle! In building and maintaining a culture of gratitude, it’s important to show employee recognition for their hard work, initiative and commitment. Recognition can positively impact many facets of the business and should be part of a leader’s responsibilities.

In The Importance of Employee Recognition: Statistics and Research by Quantum Workplace, the article states, “When employees are rewarded for their contributions, they feel ownership and pride and are willing to work just as hard on their next project. Recognition connects them to the organization, elevates performance, and increases the likelihood they’ll stay.”

“When employees feel valued, they’re more engaged, motivated, and likely to go the extra mile for their company. Organizations with formal recognition programs have 31% less voluntary turnover than organizations that don’t have any program at all. And they’re 12x more likely to have strong business outcomes. If leaders want to drive employee, team, and business success, they need to prioritize employee recognition.”

Some of the most notable benefits of employee recognition include:

Increased employee satisfaction and engagement: When employees feel appreciated and valued, they are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and engaged in their work. This heightened sense of purpose and motivation can lead to improved productivity, creativity, and innovation. Employees who are recognized for their contributions are more willing to go above and beyond in their roles, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance. Engaged employees also tend to collaborate better with their peers, further boosting the overall success of the team.

Reduced turnover: Employees who feel appreciated are less likely to look for other jobs, as they feel a stronger sense of loyalty to their current employer. When workers know their efforts are recognized and valued, they feel more connected to the company and its mission. This can save companies a significant amount of money in recruiting and training costs, as retaining skilled employees reduces the need for constant hiring. Additionally, lower turnover means that experienced employees remain with the company longer, contributing to greater institutional knowledge and smoother operations.

Improved customer service: When employees are happy and engaged, they are more likely to provide excellent customer service. A satisfied employee is more invested in creating positive experiences for customers, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. In a customer-facing role, employees who feel recognized are more patient, attentive, and willing to go the extra mile to meet customer needs. This results in better service interactions, repeat business, and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Enhanced brand reputation: A company that is known for its positive work environment and strong employee recognition practices is more likely to attract top talent and build a strong brand reputation. Job seekers are increasingly looking for employers who prioritize a supportive and appreciative culture, and a reputation for recognizing employees can give companies a competitive edge in the talent market. Moreover, a positive internal culture often translates externally, as satisfied employees act as ambassadors for the company, sharing their positive experiences with potential candidates and customers alike. This creates a virtuous cycle that strengthens the company’s overall reputation in the marketplace.

There are many ways to recognize employees. Some common methods include:

Public recognition: This could include giving a shout-out at a company meeting, writing a thank-you note, or posting a positive review on social media.
Private recognition: This could include giving a one-on-one compliment, providing a small gift, or taking the employee out to lunch.
Formal recognition: This could include giving an employee an award, providing a bonus, or promoting them.
Informal recognition: This could include simply saying thank you, giving a high-five, or sending a positive email.

The best way to focus on employee recognition is to find a method that is meaningful and appreciated by the individual. Some employees may prefer public recognition, while others may prefer it privately. Some employees may appreciate tangible rewards (like gift certificates), while others may appreciate more intangible rewards, such as praise or recognition from their peers.

It is important to recognize employees regularly and consistently and it should be specific and sincere.

Employee recognition is a simple and effective way to improve employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity. It is a worthwhile investment for any company that wants to build a strong and successful team.

For more ideas on employee recognition, visit our site for a variety of resources. Check out our 2024 Employee Appreciation Calendar – it’s a free, downloadable resource!