Recognize to Revolutionize: The Hidden Power of Appreciation in the Workplace

As I delve into building a new training program for my leaders ??, I'm amazed by the power of a tool we all have at our disposal but often neglect: recognition.

I found it really important to spark the conversation so we can do a difference in worker's life.

Studies are clear: It's not all about the dollars and cents, folks! It's about acknowledging each other's efforts, accomplishments, and even our very existence within the organization. It's about saying, "I see you, and what you do matters!"

Research has shown that the impact of recognition is tremendous.

Workers who feel valued are:

• twice as likely to be engaged
• their relationship with their managers strengthens (the positivity rate jumps from 51% to 87%!),
• they are four times more innovative
• the level of proactivity increases to 87% from 54%
• (Kaufman T., Chapman T., & Allen J., The effect of performance recognition on employee engagement, New York, Cicero Group, 2013.). ??

Yet, despite these staggering figures, recognition often falls by the wayside. Perhaps because we narrow its concept down to just financial rewards and forget about its other meaningful forms.

According to Jean-Pierre Brun (in french), there are four forms of recognition:

• Personal recognition, recognizing the individual rather than just the employee. ??
• Recognition of work practice, appreciating the quality of the work accomplished. ??
• Recognition of results, celebrating achieved objectives. ??
• Recognition of effort, independent of the results. ??

Now imagine a workplace where we don't just wait for the "goal" to applaud, but we cheer on the players for their full efforts.

Source

Recognition is about authenticity, timeliness, and specificity. It's about saying: "I loved how you presented that idea in the meeting today. It was clear, concise and showed your deep understanding of the project." It's about creating a culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and motivated to give their best.

As HR, Let's bring back the recognition and build workplaces that truly value their greatest asset - their people. ??

Virginie

(And, as a bonus, you won't have to listen to your employees quote the classic line from The Office: "I'm not superstitious, but I am a little 'stitious" whenever recognition is mentioned.??)

additional links for ideas:

#recognition #workplaceculture #leadership #employeeengagement