It’s blog
time again. There were a couple of things I had in mind to talk about this week
and then – by chance – I came across the fact that today is National
Employee Appreciation Day. It also happens to be National Salesperson Day, National
Pound Cake Day, National Hug a G.I. Day, National Grammar Day and National
Unplugging Day. In fact, when you start looking a little further, there seems
to be a “day” for everything you can imagine. I get it. Everyone wants to be
recognized for something; and that’s a good thing. But, let’s get back to
National Employee Appreciation Day.
This day was created to spotlight the importance of employee recognition
in the workplace to employers in all industries; and it is important. In my
opinion, it warrants more than just a day. Employees are one of the most
important assets of a company and appreciation and recognition should be part
of the company culture.
Consider this. Studies indicate that more than 80 percent of employees
were motivated to work harder when shown appreciation for their work by their
boss, compared to less than 40 percent inspired to work harder when their boss
is demanding or they fear for their jobs. (Glassdoor) Added benefits of valid
recognition and appreciation are happier employees, fewer turnovers, repeated
good behavior, increased productivity and in the long run, a better and
stronger company. Not to mention that it’s the right thing to do.
Here’s the catch. Before you start running off thanking everyone and showering
appreciation like you were dropping it from a helicopter, remember this – make sure
that the recognition you give is genuine, valid and truly has meaning. You can
do just as much damage by thanking everybody for everything as you can by not
thanking them or recognizing them at all. Too much of anything is not a good
thing. Superfluous appreciation soon loses its meaning, employees see right
through it and it loses all value. Save it for when you MEAN it and then act on
it. A kind word, a handwritten note, a lunch, a small gift can all go a long
way in cultivating a culture of appreciation. That’s priceless.
Thank you!
Posted by MJ Thomas
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