“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.” This quote by author Melody Beattie serves as a precious reminder of this month’s theme, giving thanks. Much can be unpacked in this quote as it relates to one’s personal endeavors, but it also has practical applications to the professional sphere, especially with regards to employee recognition.
Thankfulness is at the core of recognition. Recognition itself is the action, but without authentic appreciation for the individual and their accomplishment, the recognition moment is an empty vessel.
Here are six quick, efficient and almost effortless ways that managers can bring THANKS into the workplace today and every day, without being taken away from business objectives. These tips and tricks don’t just apply to managers; they can be utilized in a peer-to-peer relationship as well.
Take time to celebrate little victories. Not every milestone requires a standing ovation, but certain accomplishments do mean more to an employee than one might think. Did they nail that pesky little Excel v-lookup on the first try or figure out an effective solution to a tedious exercise? For some, that could mean more than meeting a monthly quota. It’s important to know your audience and that a little kudos goes a long way.
Huddle around your team for support. Regular check-ins are paramount in creating a positive work environment. These standing meetings encourage open communication and collaboration and are an excellent opportunity for shout-outs to those who have made your day, week or month operate more smoothly and successfully.
Acknowledge and adapt to diverse individual preferences. Just as a self-serve frozen yogurt shop allows customers to select the flavors and toppings they find most palatable, so too must managers identify and carry out the recognition moment to the taste of the employee. Not everyone thrives on public attention, so take the time to find out how each of your team members prefers to be recognized.
Notice when someone needs encouragement. Part of the beauty of being human is that we’re not on our ‘A’ game every day, and the truth is that it would be boring if we were. There are simple ways to let someone know that they’ve been seen, and their efforts are valued, such as an eCard or a quick email that says, “you’ve got this!”
Keep it simple. Expressing gratitude does not have to be an extravagant or time-consuming ordeal. At its core are situational awareness, empathy, and the tried-and-true Golden Rule: treat others as you would want to be treated. Take a moment to glance through the figurative lens of your coworker, and you’re bound to appreciate how they contribute to your organization’s success.
Share up. Did your team meet and exceed its quarterly goals or come up with an innovative approach to a new project? Brag about them a little bit to your own superior. Not only does this highlight their accomplishments, but it also reflects positively on your leadership skills (win-win!).
And that’s it, six easy to implement strategies for creating recognition moments daily by incorporating the act of gratitude.
Did you know that recognition is linked to employee engagement, and that companies with highly engaged employees have 33% higher profits? These companies also see a 2.5x increase in performance-related business outcomes. Gratitude can increase your organization’s bottom line. That’s something to be thankful for.
