Employee Recognition: Small Things Make a Big Difference
As we all continue to navigate the new work normal, we’ve entered a phase where more businesses are starting to re-open and onsite employees are returning to offices where social distancing is enforced be sure your employees feel valued and acknowledged for their efforts.
It doesn’t take much, but during times like this, small gestures make a huge impact. Here are a few simple recognition ideas that can create a positive impact on your team.
Understand Recognition Preferences
One of the most meaningful ways to recognize employees is by knowing their personal recognition preferences. This can be as simple as knowing that they prefer to be recognized one-on-one rather than in a group meeting. This knowledge will help create recognition moments that resonate most with employees and create experiences that can motivate them. So encourage your managers during their next meetings with each of their employees to ask how they like to be recognized and what meaningful recognition means to them. Then start putting this into practice in your day-to-day interactions with them.
Ensure Employees Feel Seen and Heard
As employees are called back to the office, they may have colleagues that are continuing to work remotely to ensure social distancing and limited in-person interaction. While this will help ensure safety protocols for those returning to the workplace, the lack of in-person interaction may lead to feelings of loneliness.
With this in mind, it’s more important to check in on your employees to see how they are doing. As your business reopens, they may have concerns or questions, so make sure you are supporting them by being proactive, listening to their concerns, and working toward finding solutions.
Practice Gratitude
We all have things that are weighing on us right now, both in our personal and professional lives. At the same time, we may not know everything that our co-workers are facing right now, so aim to lead with gratitude and kindness. Employee recognition has always played a significant role in keeping teams productive and motivated. As we all continue to navigate a new normal, acknowledging and recognizing your employees for the everyday “wins” matters more than ever.
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Certified Compensational Professional (CCP) and is the co-creator of the Certified Recognition Professional (CRP) designation.
