We don't have the budget to recognize our people, there just isn't any money!
Why should we recognize our people for doing their job? We pay them, don't we?
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Do any of these comments sound familiar? Have you heard them from your manager? Have you said them yourself? If you did say them, do you wish things were different?
One of the most important portions of your work culture is how you recognize each other. It is interesting to note that on a regular basis, the Gallup Organization surveys a number of employees and their managers. They ask each group to identify and rank the things that are most important to employees. While the results change somewhat year over year, it is interesting to note that managers ALWAYS get it wrong in this survey. Managers tend to rank pay highest. Their employees on the other hand, want to feel involved, want a leader they can trust, and want appreciation.
Here is a summary of a recent version of the survey:
Top 10 Things Employees Want vs. What Managers 'Think' They Want
| FACTORS | MANAGERS | EMPLOYEES |
| Full Appreciation for Work Done | 8 | 1 |
| Feeling 'In' on Things | 10 | 2 |
| Sympathetic Help on Personal Problems | 9 | 3 |
| Job Security | 2 | 4 |
| Good Wages | 1 | 5 |
| Interesting Work | 5 | 6 |
| Promotion/Growth Opportunities | 3 | 7 |
| Personal Loyalty to Workers | 6 | 8 |
| Good Working Conditions | 4 | 9 |
| Tactful Disciplining | 7 | 10 |
Remember, just because we are managers does not mean we are smarter than those we lead. It is important to remember that managers are measured by the work that others do- to get the best results, lead others in a way that will meet their needs.
Recognition does not need to take a significant amount of time. A simple "thank-you" goes a long way, as long as it is sincere and timely. saying good morning to everyone you lead, and good night to them at the end of the day makes a difference.
For a change of pace, consider partnering with another leader, your boss, etc. and greeting everyone as they come in the door to start their shift. Just tell them "Thanks for coming in today, we appreciate all you do!" If you have some sort of give away to hand them (coupon for free coffee, stress ball, etc.) you can also hand that out. Be sure that you do this for ALL shifts, not just for the day shift.
Food is one of the ultimate recognition tools. It doesn't have to be a gourmet dinner of Prime Rib with creamed asparagus and baked Alaska, it can be grilled hamburgers or hot dogs, or even ice cream! Another great thing to consider is for your leadership team to prepare and/or serve the food to the front line folks. Nothing says Thank You like preparing and serving food.
There are countless other ways that you can recognize folks within your organization. You can establish formal programs with prizes, gift cards, or cash. There are also no cost options to foster a culture of recognition. You can establish tools, such as cards or online notes for employees to thank and recognize each other. You can also implement a process called "Eagle Stories." For every meeting that you hold with your team, take the first 2 to 3 minutes for Eagle Stories, where you invite employees to briefly recognize a peer for helping them with something or for a job well done. While you may have to tell these stories yourself for the first few meetings, this will take on a life of its own and your employees will remind you if you forget.
In summary, recognition is something that is needed in every organization, and there are countless approaches to enhancing your culture of recognition. Your efforts don't have to be perfect- just try something, and if doesn't work, try somethingng else!
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