Recognition > Happy & Engaged Employees = Productivity

 

From one day to the next, many of us had to suddenly pack our office gear and head home with little insight of what was to come. Both businesses and employees have been forced to operate under extreme circumstances, learning to work in a different environment, communicate and connect without face to face contact. Navigating the change, and adjusting to the new norm is an incredibly personal journey, providing varying challenges, likes and dislikes for all. Whilst we cannot control the impact the global pandemic has had on the workplace; we can proactively ensure we are placing enough emphasis on the overall wellbeing of employees and our peers during such a challenging and uncertain period. A recognition program such Xtend will help do so.

 

The importance of recognition

History shows that during a crisis, most people tend to be quite resilient.

Rethinking communication, the delivery of information and keeping a consistent and prompt flow between all team members has been critical during this period.  There is no more shouting out across the office when something exciting happens, or something urgent lands in your lap. Therefore, we’re in need of new tools and ways of working to ensure the message is shared promptly and clearly ensuring quality of work is kept at a high standard – lost in translation? Never assume, pick up the Zoom!

When a peer or team member goes above and beyond and lends a helping hand there is little or no opportunity to pop past their desk and share a high 5, or elbow tap or a simple ‘thanks’. Reward and recognition programs where peers can share recognition virtually is more important now than ever. The way we are working has changed therefore we must find new ways to stay connected and ensure our employees and teams feel appreciated for their efforts without the face to face connection. Reward and recognition with a workplace can improve productivity by up to 32%, as well as reduce turnover. Time will tell the impact on employee engagement and happiness during such challenging times, however providing a platform for employees to share peer to peer recognition and express their gratitude for one another is a step in the right direction to ensure your employees remain connected.

“An employee’s motivation is a direct result of the sum of interactions with his or her manager.”
Dr. Bob Nelson, Best Selling Author and Motivational Speaker

There is a strong link between loyalty, engagement and recognition. Dale Carnegie is an American author who developed courses about self-improvement and interpersonal skills. His findings demonstrated that whilst people work for money, they go the extra mile for recognition, praise and rewards.

 

Creating a platform for recognition

Whether you are looking to begin your recognition journey, or enhance your current reward and recognition opportunities within the workplace, a little recognition can go a long way!

Here are some of the most underrated, simple yet effective forms of workplace recognition.

 

  1. Do not under estimate a simple ‘thanks.

You may think sharing ‘thanks’ doesn’t have much of an impact. We’re here to convince you otherwise. First of all, it’s free! Secondly, it’s as beneficial for the giver as it is for the receiver: whether you say or receive a ‘thank you’, it increases general happiness and self-worth as it creates a positive emotional state. Therefore, it provides momentum and increased motivation that stems from the happiness and positive energy created. Did you know that research shows that appreciation results in an increase of 50% of additional support offered by peers and team within the workplace? A simple ‘thank you’, could land you a helping hand next time you’re in need!

The Xtend System provides a feature, allowing you to publicly share a ‘thank you’ with your peers virtually within a couple of clicks. Whether it’s virtually or face-to-face, the impact of a thank you only results in a win. Why wait, share a thanks today!

“Recognition is not a scarce resource. You can’t use it up or run out of it.”
Susan M. Heathfield, About.com Human Resources Expert

 

  1. Reward your employees based on what works for your business

A poll about deal breakers in the workplace has been issued by entrepreuneur.com and the lack of recognition is one of the main annoying matter at work. The study shows that 82% of employees feel like they don’t receive enough recognition and this feeling is exacerbated in younger people. According to Forbes, 43% of employees think that lack of recognition is reasons enough to quit their job.

Recognising an employee based on their performance provides such a great feeling whether you are the recipient of the award, or win a competition! Once you achieve or see those around you being recognised it only ever leaves you wanting more and searching for that fantastic feeling once again.

As a business, by providing the opportunity to achieve, participate, earn and win you are

  • Creating healthy competition amongst your employees. Healthy competition often also leads to increased performance
  • Learn more about what makes your employees tick and how they like to be rewarded
  • Provides a platform for the shining stars to be recognised for their outstanding performance. It is highly valuable as a manager to be privy to those employees whom are being nominated by their peers and other teams and why.

“Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers.”
Stephen R. Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People 

 

  1. Setting up awards, don’t over complicate it!

The award opportunity can be as simple as ‘The employee of the month’, tied to your company’s values, sales targets, customers’ satisfaction surveys and so much more!

Xtend is optimised for you to create as many awards as you want. You can choose what reward you offer, and who can see and participate in the opportunity. Don’t forget, not every award needs a tangible or monetary reward attached to it. Often, the public recognition is enough! The most important thing is, the reward on offer is worth the effort you are seeking! Learn more about how to set up your own program within minutes on Xtend.

“Brains, like hearts, go where they are appreciated.”
Robert McNamara, Fmr. American Secretary of Defense

 

  1. Because everyone in the office loves a laugh.

Creating a positive work environment is integral to workplace culture and employee satisfaction. An employee’s motivation is heavily influenced by their environment. Fun competitions, virtual team lunches, morning virtual yoga sessions, and trivia Fridays are just a handful of examples of simple things you can be doing to increase employee engagement and productivity. One thing we do know is, happy employees are productive employees!  When it comes to employees, ROI is beyond dollar signs. Create a company where people desire to work in, and they’ll give you their best.

Finding ways to reward, recognise and make your employees feel valued does not have to be a hard task. It is often a task that is placed in the ‘too hard’ basket, and it one of the most underestimated tools when businesses are looking to increase employee moral and engagement. With less face to face time, and opportunities for employee connection ensuring engagement levels and workplace wellbeing is kept intact is more challenging than ever before.

The Xtend platform can be the support you need to simply recognise, reward and engage your employees. Create a program that highlights your company values, build fun competitions, and provide a platform that is built on peer to peer recognition – let your employees share the recognition and spread the love! Your business will thank you for it.

 

Are you ready to jump onboard and begin your journey towards creating a workplace culture your employees rave about?  

 

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