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Employee Recognition & Appreciation: Keeping Up Morale in Tough Times
It's no secret - employee morale has reached an all time low in today's floundering economy. Recognition and reward have seemed to take a back seat to who might be presented with their pink slip next and who will take on their workload. In the past 2 months I've had countless friends and associates lose their jobs. The vast majority of employees are forced to adapt to a grin and bear it attitude. They are responsible for mortgages, families and debt obligations. Workers wishing to remain employed must adapt to long hours and sometimes unreasonable expectations and pressures. Incentives and gratitude are rare in the workplace anymore. It becomes all the more important to recognize and reward employees in order to create a positive work environment and increase productivity.
One way to do this is to establish clear guidelines for eligibility for employee awards. Employee recognition should be given in a timely manner after the rewarded accomplishment. This will further motivate co-workers to strive toward the high standards being recognized. You may even want to recognize the entire staff or department with a time out for a catered lunch and a heartfelt recognition of each person's contribution. Prepare ahead so you know what each person has contributed to a project. If you're unsure ask your department head or project manager to give you a list of each person and their contribution.
You may also want to reward your employees with a small token of appreciation. Your choices are unlimited! Rewards do not have to be big - a gift card to a local book store, movie theater tickets or gift certificate can go a long way. If you are recognizing an individual employee you can present them with a framed certificate template, stating with gratitude his or her exemplary loyalty or work.
Group or team recognition can be done with little expense depending on the size of the team. Gift cards are available for coffee, movies, miniature golf or even spending money. Company logo pens, shirts, caps and coffee mugs inspire the team spirit as well as advertise as a side benefit. Many companies are moving towards 'life style' rewards such as electronic items like mp3 players, jewelry and items based on the staff member's hobbies.
Employees find it a pleasure to rise in the morning and give their best effort to a team and leaders who support, encourage and reward them. Rewarding and recognizing employees might be one of the wisest and best economical moves you can make as an employer. And remember that even in the toughest of times, it costs nothing to say "Well Done!"
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