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Effective Employee Recognition Programs
July 2011 | Volume 9 Issue 7
In the current economic landscape, your organization’s employee recognition program may have fallen to the wayside—relegated to being a “nice to have” rather than an essential organizational function. However, studies show that effective employee recognition is a crucial factor in employee retention and engagement, and companies that routinely recognize employees can increase productivity and revenue and enjoy long-term stability. In this issue of CW Bulletin, our experts discuss how to create a new—or revive an existing—employee recognition program, the pitfalls to avoid and the different types of recognition you can offer.
Natasha Nicholson
Executive Editor
Amanda Aiello Beck
Managing Editor |
Features
RECOGNITION DO'S AND DON'TS
by Angelique Rewers, ABC, APR, and Melissa Erdman
For the past several years, a tough job market has kept a lot of workers in their current positions. But now that the economy is finally turning around, albeit slowly, companies need to start thinking about how they will keep their top talent from jumping ship—especially if they cut salaries and other benefits to ride out the recession.
One strategy that can be helpful in this process is establishing an employee recognition program. Research shows a direct correlation between employee recognition and higher employee engagement.
TRAINING MANAGERS
by Linda Dulye
While employees are no doubt thankful to have a job in today’s brutal economic environment, chances are they’re looking ahead to when the market improves and the prospect of a new job is more than just wishful thinking. Companies striving to keep their greatest asset and competitive weapon—their people—must activate or fine-tune recognition programs that focus first on managers and their ownership of recognition and retention practices.
STRATEGIC RECOGNITION
by Jeremy Henderson
More than ever before, employees want to be recognized for their contributions to their company’s success. But let’s face it, most employee recognition programs fail—badly. Why? Well, I’d argue that they are not important to the people who matter most—employees. As communicators, we can make recognition programs compelling, meaningful and motivating by recognizing employees for their direct contributions to the company strategy.
RECOGNITION ON A BUDGET
by Ann-Maree O’Neill and Shaun McKeogh
Recognition has never been a more meaningful or effective management tool. When cash incentives and elaborate company parties are no longer part of an organization’s budget, the regular practice of recognition can continue to motivate staff and keep morale high.
Column
Are You for Sale? Rates, scope, referrals and choosing wisely
by Daria Steigman
Assessing value can be one of the toughest challenges facing any business. Bring small business folks together for a conversation, and the topics of rates and handling negotiations routinely come up. Pricing is often in the eye of the buyer—budget, need, demand and perceived value all come into play. And that’s before you, your credentials and your “value-add” even walk in the door.
Online Communities: The tools of the trade
by Ernest Barbaric
Editor’s note: This is the second installment in a three-part series about how to build and engage with online communities.
Facebook, LinkedIn, blogs and online forums are just some of the more popular platforms currently available for building online communities. In the second installment of this series, we look at the benefits and drawbacks of each of these tools in helping you create a vibrant and engaged online community.
Cracking the Code of Clarity
by Martin J. Eppler and Nicole Bischof
Editor’s note: This is the first installment in a two-part series that addresses clear communication.
Clarity of expression plays a critical role in today’s corporate communication, especially when it comes to complex topics such as crisis, strategy, brand or risk communication.
- "'Marty Peters Retirement," UPS
- "50th Anniversary of Disneyland," Disneyland Resort
- "G100: Recognition Program Redesign," Scotiabank Mexico
Communication in the News
Related Resources provides additional articles and resources for understanding this month's topic of effective employee recognition programs. You can also find some of these links alongside each corresponding feature article for quick reference. Links include:
- "Training Managers to Give Employee Recognition," by Roy Saunderson
- "Are Employee Recognition Programs Really Business-Critical?," by Ben Butler
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