Better Workspaces March Issue

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION: AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF BUSINESS SUCCESS OR A NICE TO HAVE GIMMICK?

The beginning of March signalled National Employee Appreciation Day, an opportunity for organisations to recognise and reward the hard work and dedication of their workforce. But what should you be doing the rest of the year and do employee recognition programmes really provide value or are just a fad you think you need to have?

Developing a positive work culture is not just a desirable goal—it is an essential component of business success. Genuine recognition can significantly enhance employee morale, motivation, and loyalty. Employee appreciation initiatives don’t serve as a merely ceremonial function. When integrated effectively into the company’s Safety, Health, Environment, Quality (SHEQ) management strategies, they can contribute to decreased turnover rates, heightened employee engagement and improved compliance with operational protocols.

Recognition, when done the right way, and at the right time, and using a structured format signals your commitment to your employees and that their wellbeing and contributions are valued. Therefore instilling a sense of pride

in their roles but also aligning their objectives with those of the organisation.

However, it is crucial that such displays of gratitude are sincere and not simply a box-ticking exercise. Authentic appreciation involves understanding the individual’s contributions and recognising them in a manner that resonates personally with the employee.

GETTING PERSONAL

Google has consistently been ranked as one of the best companies to work for, and a significant reason for this is its innovative approach to employee recognition. The tech giant has mastered the art of personalised appreciation through its peer-topeer recognition program called ‘gThanks’. Within this platform, Googlers can give shout-outs and micro-bonuses to their colleagues for their exceptional contributions. This system not only acknowledges employees’ achievements, but also encourages a community of support and gratitude across all levels of the organisation.

Google also ensures memorable celebrations for its employees’ tenure milestones. The concept here isn’t just about giving away

plaques or generic gifts; it’s about creating personalised experiences that resonate with each individual’s contribution to the company’s growth. Whether it’s arranging a personal interest-related activity or a customised gift that highlights an employee’s journey, Google knows how to make its employees feel truly valued.

CHAMPIONING EQUALITY AND WELL-BEING

Salesforce stands out with its ‘Ohana Culture’, derived from the Hawaiian word for family. In this environment, every member takes care of one another, and this extends into their recognition schemes. They advocate the idea that appreciation should be equal and inclusive, thereby ensuring that everyone feels part of the Salesforce family regardless of their role or position.

The company also places a strong emphasis on well-being as part of its recognition efforts. Salesforce provides wellness reimbursements and creates various programs under its ‘B-Well Together’ initiative which includes mental health days off and surprise family activities. This holistic approach signals to employees that their overall wellbeing is valued just as much as their

professional contributions are. Regardless of industry or sector, to develop supportive workplaces like these top-performing companies requires consistent commitment.

In the 2023 Best Workplaces™ Report, strong leadership drives the top performing workplaces and cultures. Qualities of good leaders include a willingness to be open, inclusive and empathetic. They uphold the values of the organisation, demonstrate credibility and fairness, inspire trust and are accountable. Visibility of the top tier of management was a common theme across the report findings.

Supply chain and logistics company Hatmill is ranked the No. 1 Best Workplace™ in the Small size category and Founder Simon Dixon says “Clear values guide the team in

decisions and behaviours, against which team members can check themselves and each other.”

Authenticity is one of the watchwords at tech multinational Cisco, which has been ranked No. 1 Best Workplace™ (Super Large). David Meads, Chief Executive, UK & Ireland, explains; ‘It’s about really listening to our teams and not just putting a corporate narrative out there.’

From a SHEQ perspective, employee recoginition and reward initiatives should comprise of far more than strict adherence to regulations and standardised procedures— they should encompasses the acknowledgement of the human element within any operational framework.

Recognition programs tied to these initiatives encourage safer workplace practices by positively reinforcing good behaviour rather than exclusively penalising noncompliance. Plus, these programs often lead to valuable feedback from employees about potential improvements in workplace safety and operations.

Although National Employee Appreciation Day offers a reminder of the importance of human capital in any business. But, what we need to remember all year round is that when properly considered, planned and personalised, employee initiatives and recognition programmes are useful tools within a wider framework of communication activities that lead to significant improvements in organisational culture, employee satisfaction and operational excellence.

You can see the 2024 Great Workplace Winners announced this week: UK's Best Workplaces™ 2024 | Great Place To Work® UK