Research indicates most employees lack a feeling of appreciation or acknowledgement. HR personnel, executive coaches and trainers hear that frequently from employees. So what is necessary to change that phenomenon?
Here are seven easy techniques to show employees appreciation and help them feel their work is valued.
1. Thank Them
A simple way to give workers recognition is to thank them verbally for their hard work or for their performance above expectations. A simple word of encouragement can boost morale and it only takes about 15 seconds. When you take time to write employees a hand-written note, it makes a big impression and is important to them.
2. Hand Out Small Rewards
You could give out $10 gift cards to supervisors that they could provide to their team members when they excel. Frankly, it may be only a simple gift card and it may only be for $10, but the perceived value is much higher.
3. Provide an Extracurricular Opportunity
When a worker performs at a very high level, give them an opportunity as a token of your appreciation. Express your appreciation for their high-level performance and show your appreciation by sending them to a training program they wanted or allow them to attend an external conference where they will hear about new industry trends that will support their jobs.
4. Reflect Employees’ Goals
Get together with workers regularly and consistently to ask them their short-term and longer-term goals. Let them know that you, as their supervisor want to help them achieve those goals. They will appreciate your willingness to support their success.
5. Spread the Word to Co-Workers about a Worker’s Achievement
When an employee contributes outstanding performance, distribute a ‘congrats’ group text or email to anyone on the team or those outside the team who interact closely with that worker and include key executives. Discuss the employee’s achievement with others and thank him/her for their creativity and their hard work. Doing this illustrates that you value their result and stimulates praise and recognition from their associates.
6. Assign Them to a High-Profile Assignment
A simple approach to express appreciation is to assign a high performer to a high-profile project that illustrates confidence in their abilities and talent. This also gives them a chance to have a higher profile in the company. Make known that you designated them for the project because of how you’ve appreciated their high achievement.
7. Make Praise Specific
To recognize the achievement of workers, inform them specifically what it is you appreciate. Don’t praise their hard work. Many employees work hard and put in overtime. Rather, express your appreciation for their accomplishment on a specific assignment. Point out how you liked that it was well organized and the implementation was well done and the results were outstanding. This also makes them and associates want to repeat that behavior so they get praise and feel valued on the next project.
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