Showing Appreciation Improves Employee Engagement

State of the Workforce

According to a Gallup poll, only 32% of employees in the United States are engaged at work, which means more than two-thirds of employees are not engaged in the workplace. In addition to low engagement, the workforce is also experiencing high turnover rates. As cited by David Novak, co-founder and CEO of oGoLead and bestselling leadership book author, 79% of employees who quit their jobs claim that a lack of appreciation was a major reason for leaving.

The Solution

Many people may think raises, bonuses, or fun office perks are the solution. However, the first thing that comes to mind for us is the quote from Clarence Francis:

“You can buy a man’s time, you can buy a man’s physical presence at a given place; you can even buy a measured number of skilled muscular motions per hour per day. But you cannot buy enthusiasm; you cannot buy initiative; you cannot buy loyalty; you cannot buy the the devotion of hearts, minds, and souls. You have to earn these things.”

As a leader, you earn the enthusiasm, initiative, loyalty, and devotion of your employees through expressing genuine appreciation for their efforts, their skills, and the unique qualities they bring to the organization. The best way to show appreciation is through recognition.

Tips For Giving Recognition

  1. Don’t wait to give recognition: Everyone loves instant gratification and this holds true with employees. Recognizing employees soon after a job well done instantly improves their mood and motivates them to continue doing well. Consider weekly one-on-one acknowledgement, shout-outs on the company’s internal communication platform, or train managers on giving instant recognition.
  2. Recognition tactics should reflect the accomplishment: Take the time to consider the various accomplishments you are giving recognition for. If it is a small accomplishment, then a one-on-one “good job” or shout-out during a team meeting will work well. However, if it is a big accomplishment that had a positive impact on the entire organization, then a company wide announcement is more fitting.
  3. Align recognition with core values: Whatever your organization’s core values are, make sure the recognition you give supports them. This shows employees you are committed to your values, which increases both their respect for you and their engagement.
  4. Ensure recognition is inclusive: While employees higher up may have the biggest accomplishments, make sure to recognize entry level employees for their accomplishments, too. This will make those employees feel both included and appreciated, and show them that there are growth opportunities for them within organization.

Following these recognition tips will not only show your employees that you appreciate them, but it will also boost engagement and create a more positive workplace culture!

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