How to Boost Your Company Culture Through Employee Recognition

Do you remember being a student and having a teacher recognize your hard work? Whether it was a piece of art taped on the bulletin board or a kind comment on your report card, their acknowledgment meant the world and inspired you to continue bringing your best to the table. 

As adults, we’re not much different. We naturally crave affirmation from our peers and managers to feel a strong sense of belonging; it implies that our efforts make a tangible difference. 

In that way, employee recognition is a simple yet undoubtedly powerful way to nurture a positive workplace. But sometimes, especially as women, we’re used to not receiving credit where credit is due, our hard work not given a proper chance to be displayed. 

So, what can we do to flip the script? How can we redefine our company culture so people can freely and consistently highlight each others' successes?

There are numerous benefits to showcasing employee accomplishments.

Employee recognition is more than just a gesture to make someone happy. It yields numerous benefits for the employee and the company, including:

• Higher engagement: A Great Place to Work study recently revealed that when employees feel seen for their hard work, they’re 2.6 times more likely to contribute new ideas and 2.2 times more likely to go beyond their role to achieve more for their organization. The data proves that people are actually willing to do more if they know they’re appreciated, whereas a lack of feeling valued is one of the top reasons they resign.
  
  
• Improved retention: The math speaks for itself—the more satisfied people are in their roles, the less likely they are to jump ship. In our uncertain economy, retention is crucial, considering that finding and training a new hire can be extremely costly for a worker’s previous and new employer. Employee recognition offers an effective fix to this issue, improving the likelihood of retention by 41%.
  
  
• Reduced imposter syndrome: Most of us are familiar with imposter syndrome. In fact, a 2020 survey reveals that 75% of 750 executive women leaders have experienced it at least once in their careers. As a creeping, persistent feeling of inadequacy, it casts a shadow over our everyday work and convinces us that we’re not cut out for our job. More than ever, it’s vital for companies to celebrate their workers and counter imposter syndrome with genuine recognition. Doing so can greatly motivate them to excel, building long-term confidence that can shield them from the fears of not being enough. 

Employee recognition is only effective if it’s consistent. 

What makes employee recognition impactful? Consistency. There’s a difference between complimenting an employee sporadically versus weaving it into your company DNA and making it a regular occasion. You want your team to understand that employee recognition isn’t just a one-off event—it’s a conscious decision you make to bring more eyes to their work. 

Making employee appreciation a part of your company culture doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical tips to get you started: 

1. Feel free to mix things up.

Sticking to one form of recognition can quickly get stale, so don’t hesitate to experiment. The workplace, like people, is ever-evolving. Adapting multiple ways to highlight your employees can help freshen up your efforts as you continue to innovate. 

For instance, let’s say that you’re used to verbally thanking your team members during weekly meetings. If the holidays are rolling around, you might want to accompany your regular shoutouts with an option to log off a few hours early or even take an extra day off, responsibilities pending. It can be as easy as cutting a workday short or offering an unexpected PTO, but employees will appreciate you following up your words with tangible actions.

2. Make every recognition personal.

Not everyone likes being the center of attention during an in-person meeting, while some thrive in the spotlight. Some workers prefer quieter, more subtle forms of appreciation, like a comment during a one-on-one or a handwritten note. Most meaningful solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all, and employee recognition is no different. 

Tailoring your acknowledgments to each person adds a layer of authenticity. It shows that you’re genuine about building solid, long-lasting connections with employees and creating a space where they’re valued, just as they are. 

3. Encourage employee involvement.

Encouraging your employees to participate in celebrating their colleagues can strengthen your workplace community. By giving people a role in uplifting others, you can bolster a collaborative, team-oriented environment where an individual’s success is just as significant as the collective’s. It can look like setting up a nomination process where employees can win awards based on votes or simply asking for their partnership in planning special recognition events. 

It’s one thing for managers, directors, and other C-suite leaders to recognize people for their achievements—but when fellow peers join in on the party, it can make the act more meaningful. 

At CCWomen, we love to celebrate your wins. 

CCWomen is a community that champions women and their work. Just as employee recognition benefits the workplace, we believe empowering our members can drive positive change across the customer contact industry—and the business world at large. 

Whether you need a network to cheer you on or a collection of resources to propel your career, we’re here to support you on your path to success. 

Ready for your mic and stage? Sign up for our membership today!