Employee Recognition What works … What doesnt Presented by: Robin Kennedy, SPHR

What is employee recognition? Employee recognition is the acknowledgement of an individual or team's behavior, effort, and accomplishments that support the organization's goals and values.

Types of Recognition Formal Length of Service Length of Service Teams Teams Safety Safety Quality Quality Production Goals Production Goals Attendance Attendance "A well-timed memento, presented in the right context with sincere words of thanks, becomes a reward that keeps giving recognition each and every time the employee sees or uses the gift." -- Bob Nelson

Types of Recognition Informal Intra-departmental Intra-departmental Individual pats on back Individual pats on back

Types of Rewards Symbolic Symbolic Logo pin/trophy/jewelry Logo pin/trophy/jewelry Reward coins Reward coins Special privilege, i.e., parking place Special privilege, i.e., parking place Token gifts Token gifts Verbal/Written recognition, i.e., personal note, certificate Verbal/Written recognition, i.e., personal note, certificate Monetary Monetary Gift card/catalog Gift card/catalog Cash/Bonus Cash/Bonus Extra time off Extra time off

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Why Recognize? Lets employees know that their work is valued and appreciated Lets employees know that their work is valued and appreciated Gives employees a sense of ownership and belonging in their place of work Gives employees a sense of ownership and belonging in their place of work Improves morale Improves morale Enhances loyalty Enhances loyalty Helps build a supportive work environment Helps build a supportive work environment Increases employee motivation Increases employee motivation Improves employee retention Improves employee retention

Why Not Recognize? I dont want to get too familiar with my employees I dont want to get too familiar with my employees Whats in it for me? Whats in it for me? I dont have time I dont have time I dont want to play favorites I dont want to play favorites Theyll be suspicious of my motives Theyll be suspicious of my motives Theyll take advantage of me Theyll take advantage of me Other managers arent doing it Other managers arent doing it Theyll ask for more money Theyll ask for more money Theyll expect more recognition Theyll expect more recognition

The Carrot Factor

Recognition is most effective when it is: Positive Positive Immediate Immediate Close Close Specific Specific Shared Shared

'ASAP Cubed' Guidelines As Soon - Timing is important; don't delay praise As Soon - Timing is important; don't delay praise As Sincere - Do it because you're truly appreciative As Sincere - Do it because you're truly appreciative As Specific - Give details of the achievement As Specific - Give details of the achievement As Personal - Do it in person (or a handwritten note) As Personal - Do it in person (or a handwritten note) As Positive - Don't mix in criticism As Positive - Don't mix in criticism As Proactive - Don't wait for perfect performance As Proactive - Don't wait for perfect performance

Recognition DOs Invite Others Invite Others Be Specific Be Specific Link Accomplishments Link Accomplishments

Recognition DONTs Be unprepared Be unprepared Be embarrassing Be embarrassing Get into legal trouble Get into legal trouble