Revolutionizing workplace happiness through employee recognition

Businesses are paying more attention to employee happiness than we've ever seen. Between the pandemic, Great Resignation, and notable fights for transparency and equity in pay and union representation, evidence is mounting that Americans are largely unhappy in their jobs. 

There are powerful statistics, however, that tell a different story. According to a recent survey, job satisfaction hit an all-time high in 2022. Of course, there's not a single reason for a spike in happiness — it's a multi-faceted equation — but here's one of the key drivers: Employers are actually focusing on cultures of recognition and appreciation. 

If you want to help employers foster an environment that makes employees feel appreciated, then be sure to harness the power of employee recognition, engagement and empowerment. There are plenty of ways a company can make that happen, but success is best achieved when the focus is on avenues that lead toward an appreciative company culture.

Read more: 58% of workers feel undervalued at work — how benefits and recognition can help 

There is massive power when an employee is recognized for a job well done. Employees who see their work acknowledged gain this crucial sense that their company values them and their role matters within the organization. No one wants to feel like just a number or a cog in a wheel. Recognition is one of the easiest ways to help people see how much they matter.

Employees will almost certainly gain a sense of pride in their work when their contributions are recognized. They will care more about what they deliver because they know it is being noticed. This recognition builds a workplace fashioned around positivity and support rather than management by intimidation or unspoken expectations. 

It's not the first time this has happened, but the workplace has been unstable in recent years. Massive and widespread layoffs keep employees from feeling secure in their roles, which inhibits engagement, let alone being happy at work. 

Read more: How to keep employees happy in a troubled economy? Celebrate their work

Creating a culture that prioritizes employee recognition can give employees that security. When employees are secure in their positions and feel like their work is being noticed, they are more likely to put 100% effort into their job. A related benefit is that they will continue to provide maximum productivity to the organization.

Be sure that your clients don't limit themselves in how they show appreciation for their employees. Team member participation is crucial because leaders don't have the visibility to see every positive effort or bandwidth to recognize all of them. Leadership needs reminders and examples of how they can best show appreciation to their employees. Leaders can be nudged to develop the habit of gratitude. It's also valuable to keep track of employee birthdays, anniversaries and other notable dates. Help employers pay attention to opportunities to celebrate and don't let a success just pass them by. 

Read more: Invest in offboarding strategies to minimize layoff trauma

Timeliness is also important. When employees complete a job well or earn a major win at work, it's important that their contribution is recognized right away. The sooner, the better. Leaders should give space at all-hands or weekly meetings to recognize successes and give shoutouts to employees who did a particularly good job that week. 

A focused rewards and recognition program can form the foundation for a strong employee culture of appreciation. Employees need to be a part of that platform. Don't think of it as a top-down way to manage people; think of the program as the company's cultural town square. Success will be well within reach when the program is a daily part of their workplace experience, how they communicate together and how they feel rewarded.

By involving all levels of employees and leadership at the organization and making recognition a part of everyday work life, a culture will start to form around that recognition, and it won't be long before it's a core part of the company experience.

During the height of the Great Resignation, employees reported that they were leaving due to a lack of appreciation and recognition at their previous jobs. According to a Pew Research study, 57% of people surveyed left their jobs because they felt "disrespected." 

Building a culture that values the benefits of employee appreciation can translate to a meaningful return on investment for the organization. According to a Gallup poll, showing employee appreciation can lower employee burnout and turnover, as well as strengthen relationships with co-workers — all resulting in better retention and productivity. 

Along with fair pay, a strong benefits package, opportunities for upward mobility and a culture of appreciation can mean better business outcomes and happier employees who are more likely to be loyal to their organization. Those employees will be set up to grow with the company because they will be better invested in learning new skills, taking on more responsibility and growing into larger roles within the company. Showing appreciation sets talented employees up for future growth, benefiting both the company and the employee in the long run.

If your employer clients want to get the most benefit from a culture of appreciation, they need to be intentional and consistent. This isn't about manipulation or negative reinforcement. In this new era of work, there's no question that positive reinforcement and robust recognition programs are the best way to foster employee happiness, satisfaction and retention.