Recognition is a fundamental human need. At the most basic level, it makes us feel valued, which is what inspires us to stay all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at work. Out of all the things that matter in the workplace, helping employees feel appreciated is the most important one.
But I can see that isn’t the case for every organization. In many organizations, recognition is highly de-emphasized – unless it’s specifically related to promotions, appraisals or delegation of the next assignment. The employees need to be appreciated for their efforts and this often goes unseen and unheard in such cases. As a result, self-doubt starts to creep in, and it makes employees feel as though they don’t belong.
Here are three reasons why recognition is important.
1. Recognized employees are happy employees
Let’s put it this way: when you start appreciating people for their work, you spread good vibes in the office which further translates into a happier and more productive work environment. Show your employees that you see their efforts — tell them how much of an impact they’re having on your organization and its goals.
2. When employees feel happy, they stick around
Happy employees tend to stay longer in an organization and perform better. That means if you have some high-performing, talented members in your team, make sure that their efforts are not overlooked. Doing this will not just help you increase employee retention – it will also save on time and money from having to train new hires every time a potential employee leaves your organization.
3. It fosters an atmosphere of trust and teamwork
Honestly, I was surprised by the degree to which a simple thanking your employees fosters an atmosphere of trust and teamwork. Knowing that your efforts are recognized and appreciated by people higher up the management chain really helps to feel deeper workplace connections. And that’s another reason why recognition is important, and it should be practiced year-round.
Final words
There is nothing worse than feeling unappreciated in the workplace. If you worry about your organization’s success, you might also start to worry about recognizing and celebrating “great work” at work.
Take the time to show your employees that you see and appreciate their efforts. Make them feel good about what they do, and they will bring you their best version to work, every day.
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