Creating a Culture of Recognition

Posted by Curt Denevan:

Alpha Source Corporation wanted to create a culture of recognition. In identifying what was needed, they had several key goals:

• Company had a new management team in place and old habits needed to change
• A growth plan had been added to the business model, and all employees needed to embrace the coming changes
• A certain attitude of "We've always done it that way, why should I bother changing..." permeated throughout the company.

 Consultants from Recognition Pro were able to come in and offer an overview of what recognition can do for the management team. This was then taken to a training session, Recognition 101, in which all front line supervisors were taught how to use recognition effectively. A software program that tracked all recognition events and how they were implemented allowed the CEO the ability to see how recognition was impacting the company. Employees were positive about the changes, loved the way the company respected and recognized their contributions, and were excited as the program went forward.

Co-founded by Dr. Bob Nelson, author of 1001 Ways to Recognize Employees, Recognition Pro has become the premier training tool for companies looking for positive, motivated workers.

For more information, see Recognition Pro.

What will a Recognition Program do for you? Let's run the numbers...

Posted by Curt Denevan:

According to a recent survey of 80,000 employees, recognition was a principle factor in employee satisfaction and retention. The purpose of the survey was to identify critical dimensions of quality workplaces in which four outcomes were at a high level: employee retention, customer satisfaction, productivity and profitability - are all at high levels. What does this affect?

• Supports 50% lower turnover
• Creates 56% higher customer loyalty
• Causes 38% increase in productivity
• Builds relationships
• Encourages personal achievement
• Reinforces company goals
• Builds employee loyalty
• Rewards employees for performance
• Increase profitability by as much as 27%

Not a lot of organizations do recognition well, in fact, only a minority do. Those that do, have a recognition strategy that is multi-tiered, multi-faceted and fully integrated. As a result, a good recognition program will:

1. Support and value employees, to positively reinforce their initiative and creativity, and to enhance business performance.
2. Presented at different levels depending on the accomplishment significance.
3. Be available for a wide variety of achievements and contributions, such as:

• Innovations and improvements
• Performance excellence and meritorious actions
• Length of Service

A good recognition program doesn't have to be expensive. On the contrary, most recognition programs will create lasting value, long-term return and result in a good investment. All it takes is thought and care and a willingness to acknowledge your most important assets - the people who are your company.