What is recognition in the workplace?
Recognition is simply appreciation for a job well done. Whether this comes in the form of verbal or written praise, it’s validation that what you’ve done is valued and appreciated. It’s intrinsically subtle, formed in a relational way and highly personal in nature. It really can be as simple as saying ‘thank you’ or giving a ‘shout out’ to acknowledge appreciation for effort and achievement.
Recognition is often considered interchangeable with reward. Reward can seem more tangible. It’s the performance related pay for the employee, or the gift to mark 10 years’ service. Rewards are more real and transactional, making them easier to give out and measure.
But by themselves, rewards don’t have the power of recognition. Reward without recognition becomes a transaction. It can lose that power to motivate and engage the recipient, to give them a sense of pride in the work they are being recognised for. When you combine reward with proper, heartfelt recognition, that’s where the power lies. Reward, by its nature, takes time to implement, whereas recognition can be more instantaneous. It may be here that some of recognition’s power lies. 51% of employees said they’d rather be acknowledged and receive recognition in the moment, compared with just 20% who are happy to wait until an annual performance review according to a poll in 2019.
Why is recognition so powerful
So, if recognition doesn’t actually require a huge amount of effort on the part of the giver, why is it so powerful?
Appreciation, which is what we feel when we receive recognition, has incredible psychological effects. Neuroscientist Dr Alex Korb says that appreciation sparks a release of dopamine in the brain and that makes you “more likely to do the thing you just did.” The release of dopamine in turn produces oxytocin, which is another of the ‘happy hormones’ and is noted by various medical studies to create a sense of trust, positivity and desire to bond or feel part of a relationship.
For an employer, that’s an amazing thing to harness. With minimal effort once a recognition scheme is implemented you can start to put praise-worthy activity and attitude in the spotlight. Appreciated employees are satisfied employees and that’s a powerful incentive. A report by Yale says: “When your staff members are engaged, they perform at higher levels.”
Understanding the power recognition holds to motivate and engage your employees makes it clear why it needs to be a focused element of an HR strategy.
Recognition is more important than ever
Right now, with the impact of coronavirus, employees are facing some of their toughest times. They may be working remotely, feeling disconnected from their teams and dealing with challenges in balancing home and work. Alternatively, they may be under immense pressure working onsite, worrying for their health and wellbeing, while adjusting to new ways of working. Coronavirus is having a huge impact on the health and wealth of many organisations and so pulling back on tangible reward tactics such as bonuses is understandable, but it makes it even more important to add recognition and reward into a business plan as we emerge.
The way we recognise great work from our employees, particularly at difficult times like these is really is as simple as doing more to show your appreciation. Doing this consistently, conscientiously and with intent, is the strategy you need. It’s incredible what genuine and heartfelt appreciation and thanks can do.