In today’s ultra-competitive environment, the ones with the best-trained and well-skilled staff have the winning edge. This is especially true for companies in growth industries. 

However, even the best employees will not perform well if they are not motivated enough. Worse off, they might even jump ship in search of better pasture.

As humans are social animal, we should keep in mind that employee recognition plays a big part in motivation at work. 

In this article, we will cover:

• Define what is employee recognition
• Why is employee recognition important
• Main benefits of employee recognition
• 6 simple but powerful ways to recognize employees

What is Employee Recognition?

Employee recognition is the acknowledgement and gratitude from the company to the contributors whose effort is celebrated. 

It helps make the workplace feel more inclusive and human. Employee recognition is one of the most important factors in driving workplace engagement, productivity and employee retention.

Why is Employee Recognition important?

Recognition helps employees see that their company values them and their contributions to the success of their team and the company overall.

This is particularly key when organizations grow or change. It helps employees build a sense of security in their value to the company, motivating them to continue great work.

Here are the four main benefits of employee recognition:

1. Make employees happier
   Happy employees are more productive. Being recognized gives your staff the feeling of job mastery and that they are a great fit for their role and for the company. Acknowledgement not only improves productivity but enhance loyalty and promote collaboration. 
2. Improve employee retention
   Hiring your staff only marks the beginning of the employee cycle. Next, you need to train, develop, motivate them to perform and ultimately keep them. So, how do you keep your company’s most valued asset? Employee recognition gifts are a great reminder to them that they have came a long way with the company.
3. Cultivate a culture of self-improvement
   Another benefit is that it creates a foundation of cultivating a culture of self-improvement. One of the best ways for staff recognition is to provide them with opportunities to learn and make themselves better at what they do. It incentivises learning.
4. Boost morale
   The way your organization’s leaders manage your employees also plays a significant factor in employee motivation. A simple greeting before and at the end of the day is an obvious but sometimes overlooked form of recognition. Saying a sincere thank you and apologizing for some misunderstanding can be subtle ways of showing appreciation and respect. These small gestures may seem trivial but are some of the best ways of employee recognition in the workplace.You will be surprised that having a company culture that promotes these simple ways of showing appreciation as staff recognition can have a big impact on staff morale and productivity.

6 simple ways to recognize employees

1. Give Shout-outs
   Knowing you did a good job is good but hearing it directly from the boss is even better! E-mail sharing with co-workers is an efficient way to share great news! 
2. Offer fun projects or professional/personal development opportunities
   There are always going to be some projects that everyone wants to do – But unfortunately, not everyone will be able to take them on. If you’re having a hard time deciding who should get these fun projects, try meting them out as recognition. 
3. Take them to lunch
   Who doesn’t like a free lunch? Besides showing you care, you’ll be giving them some one-on-one time they don’t typically get – a great chance to talk shop or get to know each other a little better. You can also take lunch with your employees to show them you appreciate their efforts. 
4. Distribute non-cash rewards
   Want to thank someone for putting in a few extra hours on a tight deadline? Consider giving a gift card to a coffee shop, scratch tickets, movie tickers, or other universally appreciated gifts that will let them know you appreciate them, while giving them a reason to have some fun. Give hardworking employees a physical award, such as attractive customized trophies or plaques as a tangible reminder of their accomplishments. Trophies showcase the fruit of their labour and act as a motivation to keep doing well. 
5. Loosen the reins
   If everyone has been doing a great job lately, loosen up a bit. Test out some casual dress days, or take things a step further and offer some flexible work options. Why not let employees work outside or from home part of the time? Or, if someone has made extra contributions, let them head home a few hours early. This is an especially good gesture during the summer months.
6. Throw a competition, party or potluck
   Appreciation doesn’t have to mean direct praise – it can be a fun break from the norm as well. Team-based games or group outings can be an interesting way to do it once in a while. Get creative! There are many options.