By Lina Martinez

Whether you run a business, are trying to get a start-up off the ground or are part of the ranks of the workforce, every single individual contributes towards the success of the business as a whole. No matter how many employees you have or the number of colleagues you work alongside, the simple fact of the matter is that businesses just can’t succeed without a willing, motivated and dedicated workforce.

Of course, everyone has different responsibilities at work and although not everyone is pivotal to the business, each individual person does contribute towards the team that can influence a business’ success.

Go pick up the Portland trophies and get ready to hand outs some awards. Let’s talk about recognizing your employees work.

Establishing the Importance

So, bearing in mind the important role that individuals play against the bigger picture of the business as a whole, why is it important to recognise the work that these people complete?

The answer is a simple one, yet something that many business owners and managers often overlook. We’ve already touched on the fact that a business simply cannot succeed without the input of its workers, and if these workers are dissatisfied, then it’s only natural that rates of motivation and productivity will then begin to fall.

However, aside from this, the desire for appreciation and acknowledgement is a basic human need. People respond positively to recognition and appreciation, particularly in the workplace because it confirms the validity of their hard work and the additional effort they put in. This can then contribute directly to both employee satisfaction rates and the overall level of productivity, as individuals are encouraged to continue their high output and good work ethic.

A Collaborative Workplace

Of course, at the end of the day, we shouldn’t need to be told to do something nice for someone else. However, at work, hectic schedules and busy days can lead to us forgetting the bigger picture – a standard thank you is shared before we continue beavering away at our never-ending stacks of work. Nevertheless, if we simply try to open our eyes to the world around us, it becomes much easier to understand the vital work that others around us are doing.

Instead of leaving the niceties and the need for praise and recognition to individuals or the HR team, take the opportunity to get involved on a personal level. After all, you never know – you might just find yourself surprised by how much extra work your employees complete without uttering a word.

Employee recognition realises this need and helps to put things into perspective for both the employer and the employee by acknowledging the role that a specific individual plays when it comes to supporting the organisation’s goals, values and future successes. Whether it’s a reward for a job well done or the recognition that a particular person has gone above and beyond on a certain task, employee recognition is key for developing a healthy workplace culture.

The Next Steps

For employers and those in managerial positions, it may be time to look into your existing reward management scheme and establish whether or not your current strategy is giving hard-working employees the credit they deserve.

On the flipside, if you are an employee and you feel that you are consistently delivering above and beyond what is expected of you for little or no recognition, don’t be afraid to point this out. It is important to feel useful and valued at work, so if you aren’t getting the level of support you feel you deserve, it may well be time for a change.

Employee recognition and appreciation are vital towards a positive working atmosphere and a healthy, respectful company culture. Whether you are an employer or an employee, there’s never been a better time to begin incorporating employee recognition into the business environment.