Embrace the power of recognition

As we approach the end of the year and look forward to holiday celebrations, it’s the perfect time to pause and recognise the hard work and wins, both team work and individual throughout the year. End-of-year celebrations offer a great opportunity to express appreciation (and of course throughout the year).

Sincere and authentic appreciation is more than just a pat on the back, it can drive motivation, connection, and success. So roll out the red carpet and get ready to give your team a well-deserved shout out at your end of year celebrations.

Why recognition matters

Employees who feel appreciated are more engaged and productive. Here are a few things that consistent recognition does:

1. Boosts morale: When employees know their contributions are valued, they’re more likely to stay motivated and put in extra effort.
2. Builds collaboration: Appreciation fosters an environment of mutual respect and support. When leaders take time to notice and acknowledge their team’s hard work, it sets the tone for a collaborative and positive workplace.
3. Reduces burnout: Employees who feel valued are less likely to experience burnout or seek opportunities elsewhere, which reduces turnover and creates a more resilient team.
4. Encourages growth: Recognition is an opportunity to highlight specific behaviours, that align with team values. When people are recognised for their efforts to help to inspire a growth mindset in themselves and others.

How to show your appreciation

Recognition can have a big impact, more so if it is authentic. Here’s how to make your appreciation more impactful.

1. Be specific and on-time

Recognition is most powerful when it’s immediate and specific. A quick acknowledgment of someone’s efforts on a recent project shows that you’re paying attention to their work in real time. If someone went above and beyond to meet a deadline, acknowledge their success straight away, not weeks later. Be specific about who and what you are recognising. Blanket praising is not effective.

2. Recognise big and small wins

While major accomplishments often get celebrated, don’t overlook the small, consistent contributions. Recognising small acts shows that every contribution is valued. For year-end celebrations, a balanced approach can include both types of recognition. Acknowledge the team’s big wins while also noting those quiet, day-to-day efforts that contributed to success. People appreciate when their hard work is seen and valued, regardless of its how big or small.

3. Recognise both individual and team achievements

While individual recognition is important, team achievements also deserve the spotlight. A team-wide acknowledgment reinforces that collaboration and teamwork are valued. Consider giving a shout-out to each team member’s unique contributions and how they collectively led to the project’s success. This reinforces a sense of belonging and pride in what the team has accomplished together.

5. Reinforce company values

Recognition is a powerful way to reinforce the company’s core values. When acknowledging someone’s efforts, you can use the opportunity to highlight how their success or behaviour reflected the businesses core values.? Incorporating values into your recognition reinforces what the organisation stands for and encourages others to embody these principles in their own work.

Make Recognition a year-round practice

End-of-year celebrations are a wonderful time to reflect on the year’s successes, but the impact of recognition is strongest when practiced year-round. Building a consistent habit of appreciation helps to avoid the “end of year rush” to recognise everyone all at once. Instead, try making recognition a regular part of team meetings and day-to-day interactions.

A recent survey of 1,800 employees conducted by Nectar Employment in the US found the following results: “While 98% of employees who receive daily recognition feel valued by their employer, only 37% of employees receiving yearly recognition feel the same. While daily praise may be challenging to keep up with, weekly or monthly shout-outs can be just as powerful. 94% and 88% of these workers feel valued by their companies when they receive feedback weekly or monthly (respectively)”.

Providing constant recognition throughout the year is vital. This can be as simple as setting aside a few minutes at the end of each meeting for shout-outs or dedicating time each month to write personalised notes of appreciation.

By committing to consistent, thoughtful appreciation, you create a culture where people feel seen, valued, and motivated to continue contributing their best. Embrace the power of recognition, and you’ll build a stronger, more resilient team that’s ready to take on the new year together.

Do you appreciate your team? How do you show it? Could you and your leadership team benefit from one of our tailored workshops in 2025? Please?get in touch?today,?I’d?love to hear from you.?