Recognition at work: essential for the well-being of employees and the performance of the company?

Recognition at work, the valorization of efforts, investments and employee results are elements that play a critical role in businesses, mainly for two reasons:

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• The well-being of employees: loyalty, development, social ties...
• Performance: motivation, achievement of goals, success...

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It is an important and crucial need for the Mental health of employees of a company. A lack of recognition at work indicates poor performance with a decrease in productivity and team investment.

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In this article, we present to you the benefits of professional recognition, the different existing forms and our tips for setting it up in a healthy and sustainable way.

What is recognition at work?

Recognition at work is a Valorization of the work done. It is a way to highlight the successes and performances of teams, the skills of each individual, and the efforts made to accomplish a mission. This concept places humans at the center of exchanges in a caring way, and establishes a personalized relationship of trust between management teams and employees.

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What is professional recognition? Within a society, professional recognition is essential to maintain the Team motivation. It can be applied in various forms: bonuses, salaries, promotions, benefits, considerations... and in several dimensions:

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• Recognition of the person outside the position held
• Recognition of results based on the achievement of measurable goals
• Recognition of the efforts made, even if the results are not achieved
• Recognition of achievements and skills

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By using recognition at work, company managers improve the well-being of their employees as well as their productivity. They can implement it with two types of approaches, different but complementary, whose common goals are to boost morale and motivation, and improving working conditions :

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• Recognition: highlighting the specific achievements and skills of an employee on a specific contribution.
• Appreciation: global value, dedication and organization. Valorization of results, but also of the efforts, commitments and attitude of an individual.

Why is recognition at work crucial?

Feeling valued at work offers psychological benefits, an improvement in commitment and a reduction in turnover for a company's staff.

According to a survey called”The beginnings of recognition at work” carried out in France in 2016, (study by Fidal, Anact and Amplitude), 54% of HR are dissatisfied with their company's workplace recognition policies (out of 423 interviewed). The objective of this research was to determine whether professional recognition was considered satisfactory, to know existing practices, to identify criteria, to define priorities and to open debates within the companies concerned. The results obtained clearly show that this is a problem that needs to be aware of, that it is important to deal with and improve it for the most part.

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Why is recognition at work important? Les main advantages of professional recognition are:

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• Lever of motivation : driving force, valuing the efforts and skills of each person;
• Better work environment;
• Increase in employee well-being;
• Lower tensions and fewer conflicts;
• A more pleasant work environment;
• Loyalty: less turnover and more long-term commitment to the company;
• Productivity: increased collective and individual performance, more efficient work.

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Examples ofcompanies that excel in professional recognition :

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• Apple: recognition focused on the employee performance and the company's overall financial results, in the form of bonuses, shares, benefits or products offered, holidays... as well as public recognition with awards at events.
• American Airlines: use of new technologies with the creation of a mobile application to spread and make more accessible the recognition of the company's more than 100,000 employees. This connection makes it possible to create a community, to share feedback, to learn about positive customer reviews, to share information... in order tounifying teams and to strengthen the corporate culture.
• Disney: awards awarded for exceptional performances, benefits, sharing of positive notes between employees... Thanks to its comprehensive recognition system, Disney regularly receives awards for its work culture and the quality of the well-being of its employees.

The main types of recognition at work

What are the three types of professional recognition? There are several forms of recognition at work : formal, informal, individual and collective.

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• Formal : recognition established according to clear and precise criteria communicated to managers based on values and the employer brand. The aim is to highlight individual and collective achievements publicly, at the end of a mission (official awards, awards...)

• Informal : Encourage teams and maintain their motivation during the implementation of a major project (email that highlights the work of the employee, invitation from a team for a lunch...)
• Individual and collective : praise, thanks, congratulations at meetings concerning the work of an employee (individual) or a team (collective).

Forms of recognition at work

What are the forms of recognition at work? Les forms of use of recognition at work are multiple: they can be oral, written, materialized by awards, money, bonuses...

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1. Existential recognition : it's the recognition of an employee as an individual, and not only as a company employee. It takes into account the characteristics of each person: life stories, desires, desires, personalities, skills... It is a humanist concept that consists in taking an interest in employees, and in demonstrating the importance of their actions in order to multiply their commitment. For example, it involves consulting employees about their needs and comments, setting up training programs, or organizing work schedules according to personal schedules.
2. Practical recognition of work : it encompasses the skills, professional qualities, and know-how of each individual, and allows thank the personal investment of employees in the implementation of projects. Several criteria are put forward: creativity, innovation, working methods... in order to value the way in which employees perform a professional task. For example, this recognition can be formulated in writing (emails) or by highlighting it on an internal newsletter.
3. Recognition of the investment : she assesses the employee's commitment to a project, even if it is not completed. It is a question of thanking the work done, the workload, the delegated responsibility according to two dimensions: the objective dimension (repeatability, physical load, deadline pressure...) and the subjective dimension (will, motivation, motivation, initiative, involvement...). This recognition can for example be installed in the form of verbal thanks, applause during a meeting, or even personalized letters.
4. Recognition of results : it takes into account the work done and work obtained, the achievement of objectives and performance. Recognition of results comes at the end of a completed task. It allows employees to feel valued for their work, and to develop a sense of importance. Ceremonies, events, promotions, bonuses or even salary increases are often the types of awards issued in this case.

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These Four forms of recognition at work are complementary. For a effective professional recognition policy, they should all be used and recognized in the same way.

How to put recognition into practice at work?

For sustainable and fruitful work to be recognized, strategies must be put in place on a daily basis.

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How to give recognition to work? Follow our guide with different strategies to keep your employees motivated and success of your business !

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1. Ongoing recognition program : set up an established program in order to boost employee motivation and to improve performance over the long term, through discussion groups, exchanges, the involvement of several departments of the company...
2. Work and professional development opportunities : training, career, growth... It is a question of developing everyone's skills for employees who are more productive and effective, more fulfilled and committed to their society. Opportunities can be given in the form of promotion, job change...
3. Special events : award evenings, birthdays, corporate meals, sports competitions... These events reward deserving employees, promote team cohesion, and create a positive and motivating work environment.
4. Involvement of employees in decision making : employees may feel more invested in achieving goals and the success of the business. By being more valued, the various employees have more power and responsibility, which has a positive impact on their morale and well-being.
5. Team collaboration : establishing a sense of belonging and cohesion is important to achieve goals, and to support the professional development of each individual.
6. Awards for innovative ideas and creativity : encouraging employees to stand out, offering innovative solutions to boost their motivation through internal competitions or reward points for example.
7. Ongoing feedback : promote the regular feedback to allow employees to position themselves in relation to their goals. Encouraging constructive exchanges means allowing everyone to express their concerns, doubts, and find solutions. Frequent feedback is effective in valuing the efforts and productivity of teams.

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These strategies contribute to create a corporate culture based on professional recognition. The investment and sustainable successes of employees contribute to their development and to the development of the company.

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Consequences of lack of recognition at work

The lack of recognition at work has a lot of repercussions on employees and on the performance of a company. It is a real source of suffering and discomfort, which can lead to a decrease in motivation, difficulties in retaining staff and a higher rate of absenteeism.

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From a human point of view, the consequences can be physical and psychological: lack of sleep, fatigue, reduced confidence and self-esteem, and even Burnout. All these factors degrade the quality of life at work, the atmosphere becomes negative and stress is felt.

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What is a lack of recognition at work? When a company's employees do not feel valued enough for their efforts, performance or skills by their line managers and/or colleagues, this is called a lack of recognition at work. This lack can also be felt by a lack of listening and empathy on the part of managers and employees.

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If the employee does not feel considered at its fair value, he may become demotivated, perform less, and disengage of its functions. The absence of thanks, rewards, benefits or even opportunities for professional growth leads to uncomfortable working conditions. Organizational methods are becoming deficient, employees must assume an overload of work without compensation or compensation, which in the long run can weigh on their morale and their desire to do well.

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For example, employees sometimes take action and ask for feedback directly from their manager in order to hope to know their opinion on the efforts and commitment they make on a daily basis. In other more advanced cases, employees go as far as leaving their position and their structure due to lack of recognition.

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Conclusion

Valuation and recognition are basic human needs. Whether in everyday life, the private sphere or the professional, this is an aspect that should not be overlooked, because it has impacts on physical and psychological well-being.

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At the professional level, recognition at work allows employees to have the feeling of belonging to a cohesive team, with managers and leaders who are aware of the work done. Professional recognition can be established in various ways: financial benefits, promotions, new positions, awards... The aim is toEstablishing a relationship of trust and caring within the company, to make the working environment more pleasant, and to obtain better performances.

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The Teamstarter platform is the ideal tool for setting up collaborative projects within your company, and create real team cohesion. By involving your employees and by promoting their ideas and projects, you increase their commitment, their loyalty, and your branding becomes more attractive. Make an appointment with our experts starting today!

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