With Employee Appreciation Day being just about a month away, March 4, 2022, you may be wondering if (or why) you should celebrate?
Most companies run some kind of employee-recognition programs, but often they fall flat, wasting resources. Many become just another box for managers to check or are seen as elite opportunities for a favored few, leaving the rest of the workforce feeling left out.
It takes work and creativity to avoid the perception that you are paying lip service to employee recognition. Incorporating a personal touch and seeing it as a long term investment for your company’s culture is an important mentality to cultivate. With the phrase “the great resignation” being thrown around in article after article, changing the narrative of how management interacts with their employees will go a long way to bettering employee engagement.
39% of employees feel underappreciated at work, with 77% reporting that they would work harder if they felt better recognized.
Employees getting a pat on the back, a quiet thank you card on their desk, or a small acknowledgement with a plaque given every anniversary just doesn’t cut it anymore. Instead, those companies with a greater level of employee engagement utilize a more personalized recognition program as part of the everyday work experience. They find the perfect items to honor those teammates who are working remotely, on-site at the office, or balancing a hybrid model.
Did you know Elite Rewards offers a rewards platform that gives your employee the ability to choose their gift AND the color? We even offer a “Wish List” feature!
Regular recognition isn’t just good for your team member’s souls, it’s good for your bottom line. While personalization is an important tool to utilize, small quick gifts of appreciation go a long way as well. When we’re appreciated, it gives us a deeper sense of purpose. And when we feel purposeful, we dig deeper, offering our best to ensure optimal results.
Companies that scored in the top 20% for building a “recognition-rich culture” actually had 31% lower voluntary turnover rates!
Employee appreciation does not have to be just about appreciating one’s work. Your employees are more than the job they do. They are a whole person with a story, hobbies, favorite foods, and life occasions that should be appreciated and celebrated as well.