Employees motivated by recognition of work efforts

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

An “A” for effort is what employees want from management.  In these trying economic times, many companies are trying to cut back on benefits.  According to a survey by the United States Chamber of Commerce, employee benefits were cut by approximately 14% in 2007.  However, it turns out that most employees aren’t as impressed with the tangible benefits as they are the intangible ones.  The results of two studies discussing employee motivation are listed below.  Managers, leaders, and human resources personnel, please take note of the results.

When a group of employees was asked what would make them reconsider leaving a job, better recognition for contribution efforts was in the top three choices. In other words, if an employee is on the fence about leaving a company, a little bit of recognition can go a long way. This survey was completed by the Nierenberg Group.

A separate study was performed by Wichita State University. This poll showed that only around 20% of employees have ever been publicly praised at work. The inverse of that statistic is stunning—80% of employees have never been praised by a manager or supervisor in front of other colleagues.

While most companies may be cutting back on benefits spending, there are still many, many low-cost and free ways to improve morale, increase retention, and stay at the head of the pack. Simply having a regular email or bulletin detailing an employee’s efforts in a big project or critical input in an assignment can make an amazing difference to employees.

It’s easy to find great resources for setting up a recognition program online. The referenced document gives some amazingly succinct advice. Tell the employee what you’re thanking them for and why. It will matter more than you know.