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As the pandemic continues to take its toll in health, economic and emotional terms, employees everywhere need to hear that their contributions are valued. With virtual interactions now the primary form of engagement between many workers and their managers, meaningful affirmations that were once conveyed face-to-face are now delivered online. What managers say and how they say it matter now more than ever.

Our latest report, The Sound of Leadership, presents insights and expert advice on how managers can use verbal interactions to improve employee engagement and their sense of appreciation, purpose and belonging.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many recognition program initiatives. In past years, managers or employees could easily walk up to a peer and give them thanks or recognition for a job well done. Now, for the time being, the opportunity for most in-person recognition doesn't exist. Many managers and employees are now needing to adapt to giving recognition virtually.

Also, employee emotional well-being has been impacted. Not only do they worry about job security and remote challenges, but they are also trying to balance job and personal obligations. Therefore, giving thanks and recognition is more important now than ever before.

People have genuine anxiety about their abilities to give meaningful and effective compliments, which can translate into their ability to provide meaningful recognition. Their awkwardness transfers into an attitude of underestimating the effect their compliment will have on people. But what if there was science to support the impact a compliment (or recognition) has on the receiver?

When you want to give recognition to your employees, it’s vital to know their recognition preferences. Recognition is mostly an intangible expression of acknowledgment and valuing of an individual or a team, their positive behaviors, personal effort, or contributions. The key is making your recognition very personal. Let’s explore how you can do that.