The coronavirus pandemic has greatly impacted U.S. workplaces and we are all adjusting to a new reality. With 33% of the workforce still working remote, many companies are struggling to develop creative employee recognition ideas for remote and hybrid workers. Most successful businesses are aware of the positive impact gratitude can bring. However, only one out of five employees say their company has implemented new ways to reward and recognize them since the pandemic started, while three out of five employees believe employee recognition is more important while working from home. This makes employee recognition important now more than ever, as nearly two-thirds of U.S. workers who have been working remotely would like to continue to do so.
What is Employee Recognition?
Fundamentally, employee recognition is the open acknowledgement and expressed appreciation for employees’ contributions to their organization. Essentially, the goal of employee recognition in the workplace is to reinforce particular behaviors, practices, or activities that result in better performance and positive business results. The source of recognition is typically based on the situation and circumstance of contribution or event. Overall, recognition is a form a positive feedback that focuses on an employee’s strengths.
Why Recognition is Important
Employee appreciation is one of the most important factors in driving workplace engagement, productivity, and employee retention. As a result, recognition puts the power of gratitude to work, aligning your people and culture to a shared purpose. Peer-to-peer recognition is one of the most impactful expressions of gratitude, making the workplace feel more inclusive and human. In fact, almost 90% of employees who receive thanks or recognition feel high levels of trust with that person. Above all, the relationships within your organization matter.
When to Recognize
Ideally, everyone is an organization should be able to recognize their coworkers and peers. It is important to recognize employees at key moments, whether that’s a work anniversary, birthday, or even right after a major project has been completed. While it’s easy to remember to recognize milestones, events, and large projects; day-to-day activities are just as important to appreciate. With the chaos the pandemic has brought, it’s important to celebrate the small wins and the small, significant steps we take that help us reach our goals.
Gratitude Starts Here
There are so many ways to show your appreciation – here are a few ideas to start inspiring smiles at your organization!
Awards
Awards are a great way to recognize an employees hard work. Try creating an award that is recognized as a symbol of staff appreciation – hand them out individually or have one to pass around the workplace to staff members who have accomplished something good.
Treats
Sometimes gratitude in the form of food is the best way to go! Give thanks with an employee’s favorite sweet treat or delicious snack to show your appreciation ins a fun way.
Handwritten Notes
Writing thank-you notes can not only show appreciation, but is tangible recognition of an employee’s contributions. A quick post-it note or a card mailed to their home can go a long way in a digital world.
Gift Sets
Custom gift sets are a creative way to reward your colleagues. They can be easily modified with items to fit your culture and brand that are sure to show your appreciation!
