“You’re seen, you’re valued, and you’re heard.” Workers don’t always expect this kind of appreciation on the job. However, research shows that workplace recognition is critical to business and team member success.
According to Glassdoor’s Appreciation Survey, 53% of employees would stay with their company longer if they received more appreciation from their boss. Additionally, 81% of people report that being appreciated by a leader increases their motivation. Opportunities to be recognized in the workplace are increasing. A 2023 Garner article states that “46% of HR leaders plan to increase their investment in HR technology and recognition platforms.” Rhythms of recognition and gratitude are essential tools that every thoughtful leader should have in their toolbox.
Many in the workforce believe that work is completely separate from the rest of their lives. In reality, it’s impossible to separate work and life, especially given how deeply tied our well-being is to work, especially with many working from home. According to industrial-organizational psychologist Andrew Naber, we spend an average of one-third of our lives at work. Therefore, our attitude and experience towards work influences other areas of our life.
According to a Gallup study, only a quarter of employees report having meaningful connections with co-workers. In this study, he explains that using HR technology can significantly improve a company’s culture and productivity. “Giving and receiving recognition is one way to form new relationships, build bridges between teams, and resolve tensions between different goals, priorities, or approaches.” Compassionate Leaders foster connection in the workplace.
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with KeyAnna Schmiedl, Chief Human Experience Officer at Workhuman. Schmiedl brings her passion to innovative approaches to human resources, especially her conversations around making work more personal. Workhuman is a platform for employee recognition and an important leader in the conversation about the human work experience. Workhuman helps businesses and organizations establish a rhythm of awareness and connection through automated prompts and public feeds.
Schmiedl outlined three specific ways recognition platforms can benefit businesses.
- Employee onboarding – Evaluation is not something that can only be obtained from the top down. With HR Tech, company-wide. At the end of a new employee’s onboarding week, your HR technology platform may prompt colleagues to start building a connection with that individual right away.
- performance management – Weekly check-ins can feel difficult for many leadership teams. HR Tech offers practical solutions by encouraging employees and leaders to ask regular review questions. Workhuman offers questions such as: “Do you have any questions? What obstacles are you facing? Can I help you remove them? How can I encourage you?” You will be encouraged to reflect on your work and projects.
- personal updates – HR technology can promote overall awareness. Recognition includes praise for work progress and accomplishments, as well as the opportunity to share updates on your personal life to foster an authentic community experience. If your employees got a new puppy, had a baby, or bought a house, they can share what’s important to them with their colleagues. Fostering personal connections between colleagues teaches us that every part of the human experience adds up and connects to the entire company.
According to an article in HCM Technology Report, more than 90% of today’s employees want to work from home. In recent years, the number of employee recognition and communication platforms has increased as more people work remotely. Whether your company has remote employees or you want to create a culture of connection, considering an HR recognition platform is a great opportunity.
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