5 Employee Recognition Program Best Practices
Employee recognition programs are a valuable business tool, and can be especially important during difficult economic times. The regular practice of sincere appreciation and recognition can motivate employees and help to keep them engaged. Employees who feel appreciated will approach their work with dedication and are generally more committed to contributing to the organization.
Simple gestures like an email thanks or a sincere compliment will aid in retention of the workforce. Creating an employee recognition culture begins at the top and there are a few best practices that can aid in the process of making the recognition program a success.
Employee Recognition Program Best Practices:
- Have a Recognition Program Strategy. Document programs, including what behaviors will be recognized and how those activities will contribute to the goals of the company. Be clear and communicate these plans.
- Be Clear About Recognition Program Measurement. If it is being measured, it will get attention. Develop a standard to measure what constitutes success and share recognition when these levels are achieved. Be clear regarding who will give that recognition, whether that's management or peer-to-peer recognition.
- Equip For Success With Recognition Training. If managers are responsible for administering the recognition program, be sure to provide them with training that covers what, when and how to recognize their employees.
- Recognize Employees Publicly. Employee recognition is often implemented through an intranet, a newsletter or some type of awards event. There is great power to being recognized in front of a group of peers.
- Be Flexible With Recognition Programs. Adapt and be flexible if the initial program concept does not seem to work. Listen to employee and management feedback, and if warranted, be prepared to adjust the program. It's possible the levels were too high or too low. Don't feel that everything needs to be set in stone. If changes need to be made, be sure that they are applied consistently and clearly communicated to all concerned.
Employee recognition program best practices include having a planning meeting where associates can have input into the program. This will assure buy-in by all levels of the organization.
We are interested in what types of best practices you have used for your employee recognition programs. Please share if your programs are similar to these or if you have others that you feel are important
What types of best practices have you used for your employee recognition programs. Are they similar to these? Do you have others that you feel are important?
