Employees who feel recognized for their achievements are happier at work. This creates a more productive team, lower turnover rates, and better bottom-line business results.

However, most employees feel their efforts must be recognized more in their workplaces. And that lack of appreciation seriously affects morale, productivity, and engagement.

Increased Morale

Employees want to know that their work is valued. Frequent recognition helps them feel more satisfied and engaged with their job. Employees who are more engaged are less likely to seek out other opportunities. This means fewer turnover costs for your business and a more robust workforce.

Providing employees with room to grow is also essential. Workers may become disengaged and frustrated When they do not have room to grow. Employees who are allowed to grow and learn new skills are more likely to be happier with their jobs.

Employee recognition programs are just one of the ways that HR leaders can improve workplace morale. Even small acts of recognition, such as greeting staff with a good morning or saying thank you, can make a difference. Courteous conversations also help build positive relationships and boost morale. Incorporating recognition into company culture is essential to building a happy and motivated team.

Increased Productivity

Employees who feel valued are likelier to put in extra effort and produce higher work. Research has shown that employees whose work is regularly recognized are 14% more engaged than those without recognition.

A high-quality employee recognition program is an effective way to motivate employees and help them feel connected to the organization’s culture, particularly at a time when many workers are working remotely. As such, organizations must communicate effectively to all managers and supervisors about the goals and benefits of the program. A Q&A packet is one effective way to do this.

Clearly define the company’s objectives for an employee recognition program, such as improving morale, reducing turnover, or increasing productivity. Then, determine the behaviors and achievements that will be rewarded, including those specific to the individual. For example, if an employee always goes above and beyond for their team, consider rewarding them with public acknowledgment, extra time off, or professional development opportunities.

Reduced Turnover

The cost of employee turnover can be extremely high. Studies show that a well-designed recognition program can reduce voluntary turnover by 31%. Employees who feel their efforts are appreciated and rewarded are likelier to stay in their jobs.

A successful employee recognition program should be designed consistently, frequently, and not overwhelmingly. It should also be tied to the company’s mission, goals, and values. Employees must understand the connection between the rewarded behaviors and the results they will see in their work.

A great option for rewarding employees is through experiential rewards. This type of reward allows an employee to experience something unique and exciting, which can be a huge motivator. The best part is that it doesn’t have to be expensive and can still be a great way to show employees how much their contributions are valued.

Increased Engagement

Employees are more likely to stay committed to their jobs and go above and beyond their everyday responsibilities if they feel valued. The best way to increase engagement levels is by implementing a recognition program aligned with your company values. The more employees are engaged, the better they’ll be able to customer satisfaction and business growth goals.

A good employee recognition program should include more than big wins or anniversaries but also include ways to recognize employees whose work is only sometimes visible in the organization. For instance, giving a shout-out at company meetings or providing ongoing education and training opportunities are great ways to recognize employees.

When employees are recognized, they’re 82% happier and 73% less likely to experience burnout. Recognizing their hard work will ensure they stay engaged and motivated to achieve your company’s goals. Employee turnover costs a lot, so it’s worth the investment in an impactful employee recognition program.