How Employee Can be Recognized

Meaningful Recognition

Feeling appreciated and recognized are two of the most powerful motivators available to the supervisor.  The question then becomes, “What is meaning recognition ?” Recognition is meaningful when tailored to the individual being praised.  Instead of the usual “grip and grin” so many managers employ to thank someone for the job they have done, the manager should tap into the uniqueness the individual brings to the job. 

One way to explain this uniqueness is to look at a painting an artist creates.  This painting is a unique contribution, in many ways a gift that the artist is giving to society.  If the artist is good enough, the painting might even have a commodity value. 

Our Motivation intensifies when we, and other, recognize the gifted nature of our work.  Try to value the uniqueness of each employee, recognizing that his or her work is a gift.  Every employee has different strengths we need to recognize.  We cannot forget that motivation is a feeling.  Recognizing people’s unique strengths helps tap into that feeling.

Recognition Suggestions

The following recognition suggestions were generated by seminar participants.  It is well-documented that two of the strongest motivators available to supervisors are recognition and praise.  If you are able to customize these ideas or suggestions, they will help you build a more motivated workforce and it will cost nothing more than your thoughtfulness and time.

Brainstorming Results : Ways to Recognize Employees :

1. Ask employees for their opinion,


2. Write a than-you note to employee,


3. Put a letter of recognition in employee’s personnel file,


4. Have your boss say thank you or send letter of appreciation to employee,


5. Do something unexpected (buy a coffee mug, bring flowers, etc)


6. Give a special parking place,


7. Award “Employee of the Month”,


8. Award “Employee of the year”,


9. Increase employee’s responsibility,


10. Recognize employee’s birthday or work anniversary,


11. Give employee a special project,


12. Take employee to lunch,


13. Take employee to lunch with your boss,


14. Post a memo of recognition in public area (Company bulletin board),


15. Bring bagels or other healthy food,


16. Recognize or praise employee or team in a group meeting,


17. Give employee a plaque or something for public display,


18. Write article about accomplishments in company newsletter,


19. Give employee time off with pay,


20. Provide employee with business card,


21. Recognize someone via electronic mail,


22. Listen-really listen-to employee,


23. Share a reward you receive with your employees,


24. Teach employee something new,


25. Send employee to training,


26. Have employee train or teach others,
 

27. Have employee fill in for your during your absence,


28. Call to say “Job well done”,


29. Attach a “Post-it” that says, “Great!”.