Figure 1-https://www.theresource.com
An employee's need to be appreciated and it is a basic human need. Thus, employees will feel more connected to their work, their team, and organization as a whole when they feel valued and recognized for their individual contributions (Wickham, N., 2021).
What does it mean to feel appreciated?
Feeling valued and appreciated at work is something we all need in order to do our best.
It is human nature to desire to be loved, cared for, accepted, supported, and included. We want this sense of worth at all times, including during work hours.
Whether we realize it or not, we all need to feel respected and appreciated at work in order to accomplish our best.
Recognition has a big influence, especially among employees, and it may help build a healthy company culture.
Employees appreciate and are motivated when they are openly recognized for a job well done. Employee accomplishments and positive characteristics are highlighted, resulting in a more vibrant, healthier workplace. Praising employees for their accomplishments fosters high performance, which benefits both the individuals and the company.
At work, a sense of accomplishment is uplifting, but when people see your accomplishments, it compounds that feeling of success.
Why is it Critical to recognize deserving employees?
Employees who feel valued put in more effort, are more engaged, and, as a result, are happier.
According to the Society for Human Resource Management, recognition in the workplace motivates 79 percent of employees to perform more.
The distinction between a satisfied employee and one who goes above and beyond can be made by emphasizing good work performance.
Employees who go above and beyond for their coworkers and the company benefit greatly from employee recognition.
Benefits of employee recognition
- Increased productivity and engagement.
- Helps to attract and retain key employees.
- Motivates employees to perform at higher levels.
- Improves business quality and service.
- Decreased employee turnover.
- Greater employee satisfaction and enjoyment of work.
- Improved team culture.
- Higher loyalty and satisfaction scores from customers.
- Increased retention of quality employees.
- Decreased stress and absenteeism.
Appreciating employees in the workplace isn’t just about kind words or thank-you cards . Employers must demonstrate employees’ value with other, less tangible things such as:
- Fair base pay
- Performance pay
- Paid time off
- Benefits
- Work/life balance
- Meaningful work
- Job security
- Career advancement opportunities
If these foundational elements are missing, then face-to-face gratitude or handwritten notes won’t make up the difference. By focusing on the things that employees truly value, the organization sends the clear message that it cares about its people. And that message is at the heart of making employees feel appreciated.
Are Valued Employees more Productive?
Workplace recognition makes employees feel valued and motivated. This ultimately boosts individual engagement, loyalty, and productivity. When we feel supported and cared about, we feel more empowered to put our best foot forward. The workplace is a two-way street—when one side gives, the other side gives back. Starting with these five strategies will ensure you build a solid foundation for organization’s employee experience, so employees will know that they really are valued .
How to Make Employees Feel Valued at Work?
1.Develop a Compensation Strategy
The most obvious indicator of how much an organization values an employee is how much that employee is compensated. Of course, value extends beyond dollar signs alone; however, if your compensation is lagging behind the rest of the market, then your employees will feel undervalued and dissatisfied.
Organization should do the work to understand where you fit within the job market and where employees land on the compensation scale for their positions.
2. Communicate Compensation and Benefits
The benefits of a compensation management strategy only go as far as the company's communication skills. That is, if the employees don’t know they’re paid fairly, they usually won’t make that assumption themselves.
Figure -https://www.bamboohr.com
3.Provide Growth and Learning Opportunities
Another way to help employees feel valued at work is to invest in their development. This investment doesn’t have to be expensive; in fact, some of the best employee development initiatives don’t cost a dime.
- Peer learning groups
- Manager one-on-ones
- Stretch projects
- Dedicated learning time
- Career planning
Encourage managers to step into a coaching role for their employees by setting up regular one-on-one meetings and identifying each employee’s goals. This knowledge will help to tailor learning and development opportunities for each person.
4.Align Employee Performance and Compensation
As employees grow and develop, they will become more efficient, more skilled, more knowledgeable, and better at their job. They won’t be the same people in the organization first hired, and the compensation of the organization offers them should reflect that growth.
5.Provide Meaningful Work
This last strategy for how to make employees feel valued is the least tangible, as it concerns employees’ emotional need for meaningful work. Employees perform better when they see that what they’re doing day in and day out matters. And even more, that it’s appreciated.
What will Happen when Employees don’t Feel Valued?
When employees don’t feel valued at work, it can create a dangerous cycle where little to no recognition leads to tension in the workplace and disengagement which leads to:
- Higher absenteeism
- Workplace accidents
- Errors and defects
Unhappiness and disengagement can bring health consequences as well, such as stress and anxiety. Furthermore, workplace stress can lead to an increase in voluntary turnover.
Conclusion
Employee recognition is a key area which result a productive work environment. Supervisors can help employees make this connection by recognizing great work at every level, especially those positions that are less visible which will create a win-win situation for both employer and the employee.
References
Cloud, H., 2021. 15 Creative Ways To Show Employee Appreciation | HR Cloud. [online] Hrcloud.com. Available at: <https://www.hrcloud.com/blog/15-creative-ways-to-show-employee-appreciation>[ Accessed 20 March 2022]
Harvard Business Review. 2021. The Little Things That Make Employees Feel Appreciated. [online] Available at: <https://hbr.org/2020/01/the-little-things-that-make-employees-feel-appreciated> [Accessed 20 March 2022].
Wickham, N., 2021. The Importance of Employee Recognition: Statistics and Research. [online] Quantumworkplace.com. Available at: <https://www.quantumworkplace.com/future-of-work/importance-of-employee-recognition> [ Accessed 20 March 2022].
As clearly explained by you, employee recognition is essential to maintain a good work environment, boost employee morale and increased productivity. A happy employee will be motivated to continue great work. Good Work!
ReplyDeleteThank you Dilini..
DeleteIf employee is recognized by the Organization as a Hard or Smart employee, then employee is having high motivation. Then always doing more than best to the organization. Positive vibes, always give positive results. Then Organization can expect good work from employee.
ReplyDeleteYes exactly, Anushka
DeleteOf course, You have provided a detailed explanation of employee evaluation & employee value .In fact ,When the employee don't feel the value .It is a major factory can lead to the collapse of the business
ReplyDeleteYes ,of course Roshan
DeleteAs you discussed Employee recognition is the timely, informal or formal acknowledgment of a person's behavior, effort, or business result that supports the goals and values of the organization and exceeds his superior's normal expectations.Good article.👍
ReplyDeleteThank you Chamila
DeleteHi Anuradha, it is a great article.
ReplyDeleteTo understand how human motivation theories can help employee motivation, Maslow’s need-hierarchy theory will explain why this is more important. According to Maslow, humans have five levels of needs:
Physiological: Air, water, food, sleep;
Safety: A safe place to live, financial security, medical insurance, job security;
Social: Love, friendship, belonging to a group;
Self Esteem: Respect, recognition, consideration, social status, achievement;
Self-actualization.
You have explained all these in a simpler manner in your article.
Thank you Mafaz..
DeleteWell explained article on employee recognition. It is imperative to recognise employees on time and give the due credit to sustain them in an organization. Any delay could result in adverse affect and good employees may move out of the company.
ReplyDeleteThank you Shibly..
DeleteIt's great article about recognition of employees as well.
ReplyDeletemotivated employees always perform morethan top quality to the company. You have clearly explained how employee recognition benifits work to the company and how valued employee productive for the company.
Well knowledgeable article. Good luck.
Thank you Shashitha
DeleteEmployees feel valued for their job when they are recognized at work. It stimulates them, gives them a sense of success, and gives them a sense of accomplishment. In this article you have clearly point out the benefits of the employee recognition. Nice Article. All the best Anuradha!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sachini, for your valuable feedback.
DeleteWell explained article on importance of employee recognition. Recognizing and rewarding of employee will enhance the productivity and performance of employees. all the best.
ReplyDeleteThanks Venushka
DeleteEmployee recognition is one of the main factors affecting motivation. There are many benefits of employee motivation as mentioned in this blog. Valued employees are more productive and give their fullest contribution to the company. Well written.
ReplyDeleteThank you Chathura, Yes I agree with your comments.
DeleteEmployee recognition is highly critical to retain and motivate employees and work efficiently and productively. You have clearly emphasized the importance of recognition..
ReplyDeleteThank you Zaman.
DeleteThank you Zaman
DeleteRecognition helps employees see that their company values them and their contributions to the success of their team and the company overall. This is particularly key when organizations grow or change. It helps employees build a sense of security in their value to the company, motivating them to continue great work. Well explained Anuradha. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYes of course Suranga,I agree with your comments. Thank you..
DeleteRecognition makes a strong impact, especially within the workforce, and can lead to a strong company culture. Openly acknowledging employees for a job well done expresses appreciation and motivates employees. Highlighting the achievements and positive attributes of employees creates a more robust, healthier workplace. Good job
ReplyDeleteEmployee recognition, as you mentioned, is the timely, informal or formal acknowledgment of a person's conduct, effort, or business outcome that supports the organization's aims and values and beyond his superior's customary expectations. Excellent article.
ReplyDeleteEmployee appreciation is very important for a positive work environment, greater productivity, and increased morale. You have clearly stated the advantages of employee recognition in this blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your valuable feedback Nishantha
DeleteEmployee appreciation is crucial for retaining and motivating staff as well as ensuring efficient and productive work. You've made the value of acknowledgment quite plain. Good article
ReplyDeleteEmployee appreciation programs should be given specific attention by corporate leaders and HR. Employees are more engaged in the workplace when they trust their leaders and supervisors. Employee appreciation programs are an excellent approach for managers and workers to create trust. Best wishes
ReplyDeleteThank you for your valuable feedback Asela
DeleteEmployee retention is one of important aspect of HRM. To reduce employee turnover it is crucial to increase employee recognition opportunities with in the organization. Employee recognition simply mean the sort of appreciation or let the employee feel that they are valued to the organization. Valued employee are more productive and will positively contributes to the performance. You have gathered and explained the importance of employee recognition. Great article. All the best.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your valuable feedback Amila
Delete