What recognizing your frontline workers means for your bottom line
No surprise here: Employee appreciation is tied to more motivated, productive workers.
March 5 is Employee Appreciation Day, and a survey from Workhuman shows that properly designed recognition programs can improve employee performance and other outcomes for employers.
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“The concept of making the workplace more human has never been more prevalent as the events of the last year took a toll on the global workforce,” according to Workhuman. The company noted in a press release that increased remote work has blurred the line between work and home life, increasing “human disconnection.”
As a result, some workers may feel unappreciated. This can have serious implications for companies, as Workhuman found recognition has a positive impact on performance, productivity, turnover and engagement.
Workhuman surveyed over 1,000 workers in early February to learn more about how their employers recognize their work. Over 53% of workers said they’d like their employer to offer more recognition for their hard work. That’s important for employers to remember, as 72% of respondents said recognition promotes employee retention.
The survey found 31% of workers say recognition is directly tied to their motivation at work. Almost a quarter added that it makes them more productive to know they are valued.
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Employers also need to ensure that their recognition programs acknowledge employees equally. The report found a quarter of men “always receive thank yous”, while less than 19% of women said the same. Workhuman noted that women have had higher turnover rates during the pandemic.
Workhuman suggested some employers may not know how or when to offer recognition for their workers, as over a quarter of respondents said their company rarely or never solicits feedback from employees.
Workers aren’t looking for elaborate acknowledgments of their work, the study found. Over 60% appreciated a simple thank-you, while nearly 45% would like big accomplishments and milestones to be celebrated. A bonus was the top response for how employers can show their appreciation, followed by a thank-you, and support for personal or professional moments.
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