Workplace Recognition | The Dos & Don’ts

Getting rewarded for good performance or a special contribution at work can be a great motivator for anyone. Employee recognition builds a culture of appreciation, excellence, and collaboration across the workplace. Of course, offering rewards come with the risk of creating competition but when done right, workplace recognition can be a great way of boosting morale among team members. Here are some dos and don’ts for implementing an effective recognition program:

Dos:

1. Ensure that it is timely: Taking too long to recognize the great work someone has done can significantly diminish the impact of the reward they get. If the process of a formal reward is lengthy or complicated, make sure that the deserving candidates at least get some praise or verbal applause in front of the rest of the team. Getting a senior leader from the organization to say a few words to them too may be a good idea too.
2. Make it achievable: When informing people about possible rewards, share how they can accomplish the required task, so that everyone knows it’s possible to get recognized. If possible, invite those who have already got similar rewards to share success stories.
3. Be specific: The best reward programs focus on the achievement and effort put in, rather than the team or people. When recognizing a team member, do ensure that everyone is aware of what they accomplished and how they did it.
4. Offer something valuable: In the past, simple certificates and badges of appreciation may have worked as rewards but today employees want something tangible or at least of intrinsic value like career development opportunities or possibilities of a good performance rating.
5. Be sincere: Appreciation can be shown in many ways and even a simple “thank you” or a pat on the back can make someone feel great, as long as it is from the heart. People can spot insincere compliments from a mile away!

Don’ts:

1. Don’t dilute its importance: Formal recognition should be reserved for those who have achieved something. Never turn a reward program into a “round robin” practice just to make everyone happy. Not only does this seem insincerely, people actually feel embarrassed about being given a “consolation prize” just because it’s their turn.
2. Don’t pick favorites: If several people meet the criteria for receiving an award, they should all be recognized. Never create a situation where only one person gets rewarded when more people deserve the same recognition.
3. Don’t forget to Thank them: While tangible items make great rewards, people also look for genuine appreciation for their effort, which goes beyond a gift voucher or white goods. When recognizing people, make sure that they are thanked properly for their contribution.