Recognition boosts esteem and performance. All people have self-esteem and self-actualization needs, and must feel important, satisfied, and inspired to perform to their fullest potential.
Why People Need Recognition
Recognition boosts esteem and performance. All people have
self-esteem and self-actualization needs, and must feel important,
satisfied, and inspired to perform to their fullest potential.
Recognition shows that a person's hard work isn't going
unnoticed. It satisfies the person's need to be noticed, and motivates
them to improve their performance even further.
In addition to rewarding the person performing well, recognition
also sends a message to co-workers as to the type of performance that
gets rewarded. It motivates employees to strive for excellence so that
they, too, can be rewarded.
Why Awards are Better than Money
Studies have shown, time
and time again, that employees have always ranked praise and being
shown appreciation as being more important than money. Managers and
employers tend to think employees care primarily about pay. But the
truth is, workers say it's more important for their bosses to show
appreciation for a job well done.
According to the results of a national survey by Robert Half
International, "limited praise and recognition" was ranked as the #1
reason employees leave their jobs- ahead of compensation issues.
In a recent study, Wichita State University evaluated 65 potential
incentives and found that recognition from managers was reported to be
the most powerful motivator of all the incentives.
Cash awards can in fact have a demotivating effect. Compensation
is a "right," but recognition is a "gift." People will do their jobs to
collect a paycheck, but a paycheck alone will not motivate them to go
that extra mile. Individual recognition is the key. From the point of
view of the employee, the greatest reward is being
acknowledged for their contribution.
Non-monetary awards have sentimental value. The recipient will
save the award and show it to their co-workers, friends, and family
members. They are everlasting symbols of success, and are never spent
or forgotten.
In conclusion, when cash is always the reward, employees begin to
think of the reward as their "deserved" normal compensation. They
become accustomed to receiving the extra income, and the pride
associated with recognition for a certain accomplishment is lost.
The
Top 3 Uses for Recognition
Sales Incentives: This is the #1 application for award programs.
The focus here is on improving performance and self esteem.
Service Award Programs: By positively reinforcing behaviors, a
company can improve quality and productivity, or achieve other
organizational goals.
Safety Programs: By rewarding employees for practicing safe work
habits, the employer will cut back on accidents and effectively reduce
the cost associated with on-the-job injuries.
For more information about Denver's best selection of awards,
plaques, and trophies, contact Red Canoe Promotions of Denver, Colorado. We can help you implement an
effective reward and recognition program. Or, feel free to use our promotional
product search engine to look for awards, plaques and promotional
items that you can use for your program.
Justin Redmond is a promotional products and apparel specialist for Red Canoe Promotions in Denver, Colorado. Please visit our Denver Promotional Products website for everything you'll need to get started on your next promotion. Use of this article must be in compliance with this website's terms of service.
