Six steps for authentic employee recognition

Anyone at any level can and should support their team with moments of recognition. Positive recognition can boost employee retention and performance growth, as well as boost an individual’s mental health and confidence. Above all, recognition reflects a kind and compassionate workplace where the people behind the product, content, or labor, matter.

But many wonder, “How do I do that and do it authentically?” An article from Gallup details why authentic recognition is important and how to achieve it.

• Be genuine. As the saying goes, “Don’t be fake.” Giving disingenuous recognition not only undermines future recognition and team culture, but also how others see you.
• Be clear. Vague thank-yous don’t hold as much power as you might think. Providing a specific reason for your recognition gives it validity.
• Be selective. Save some recognition for special occasions or exemplary work, but continue to regularly express appreciation in everyday interactions.
• Be purposeful. Connect recognition to a specific action or project to validate the importance of the work being done, no matter how small.
• Be targeted. Discuss with managers or team members everyone’s preferences on praise and hold firm in those boundaries.
• Be concrete. Don’t just say it, do it. When possible, offer new opportunities, raises, or rewards specific to your team to drive home that recognition matters here.  

Remember that gratitude and recognition are not the same thing. Gratitude is internal by feeling appreciative or thankful, while recognition is external by expressing that gratitude through words, gifts, or actions.

It is well documented that the more senior-level the position, the more weight the recognition holds. Managers and directors should get familiar with the work employees do to be authentic in their recognition and see the camaraderie these behaviors bring to the workplace. Even so, everyone can express appreciation when the feeling strikes. So thank you, reader, for taking the time to click on this article and take steps to make your workplace a bit brighter.

Connect with the University Relations Internal Communications team at internalcomms@umn.edu for counsel that promotes stronger employee engagement, more satisfied employees, and successful teams.