Employee recognition is an essential element in the effort to reduce employee turnover in any organization. It is pretty obvious that everyone enjoys being thanked for the hard work and contributions they provide to their organization. So why is it that employee recognition seems so scarce in today’s workplace?
Don’t get me wrong … I’m not trying to say that all managers and supervisors are cold, heartless creatures who don’t appreciate the work others do for them. This certainly isn’t the case.
However it seems that recognition is treated as a scarce commodity and reserved only for special occasions when a team member blows through a lofty sales goal, lands a whopper of a new account, or discovers a new manufacturing process that saves the company millions.
Perhaps the problem is in our perception of what constitutes employee recognition. Employee recognition doesn’t always require a personalized plaque or an ad hoc pep rally to laud a team member’s hard work and dedication. Often a simple, but genuine “thank you” will do the trick, and the fact that you made the effort to locate a team member’s cubicle will truly let them know you care.
Be sure to thank your steady performers, not just the “big shots”
Perhaps it is Sue in accounting who never fails to have payroll ready two days before payday and always makes sure the quarterly tax returns are turned in well before they are due, “just in case.” Maybe it is Bill in finance who watches cash flows like a hawk, never once leaving your organization short on funds. And don’t forget a Steve who hasn’t used a sick day for three years.
The bottom line is there is never a shortage of praise and thanks to go around in your organization. Keep it simple, but make it sincere.
Send Sue a thank you e-mail and “CC” your immediate supervisor to let her know that her efforts don’t go unnoticed. Leave a thank you note on Bill’s desk before he arrives in the morning to brighten his day. You get the idea …
Take a moment and ask yourself: “Do my words and actions communicate my appreciation of the hard work and dedication my employees give each day?” If the answer is “no,” or even an “I’m not sure,” start taking steps to better show your appreciation of those around you, even the steady performers.
Want to make your “thank you” even more powerful? Attach some meaningful feedback to it. Watch this video for more insight.
Today’s post comes from Chris Young, the founder, president, and CEO of The RainMaker Group. His vision is to see The RainMaker Group become trusted advisors to people and organizations as they help them get what they really want with their relationships, customer experiences, and sales. You can read more from Chris at the Sales Wolf blog.
Leave a Reply