“You are seen, valued, and heard.” Workers do not often expect these words of acknowledgment on the job. However, studies have shown that recognition in the workplace is crucial to business and team member success.
According to a Glassdoor survey on appreciation, 53% of employees would stay longer at their company if they received more appreciation from their boss. Furthermore, 81% of people report that they experience greater motivation when they receive appreciation from leadership. Opportunities for recognition in the workplace are growing. A 2023 Garner article states, ā46% of HR leaders are planning to increase investmentsā in HR technology and recognition platforms. Recognition and appreciation rhythms are essential tools for compassionate leaders to have in their toolbox.
Many in the workforce see it as wholly separated from the rest of life. In reality, especially as many work from home, work and life are impossible to separate, given how deeply our well-being is intertwined with our work. According to industrial-organizational psychologist Andrew Naber, we spend, on average, one-third of our lives working. Therefore, our attitude about and experience of work will impact other areas of our lives.
According to a Gallup study, only one-fourth of employees report having meaningful connections with their coworkers. The study explains that using HR tech for recognition will significantly enhance the culture and productivity of businesses: “Giving and receiving recognition is one way to form new relationships; build bridges among teams; and dissolve tensions amid disparate goals, priorities or approaches.” A compassionate leader promotes connection in the workplace.
I recently enjoyed speaking with KeyAnna Schmiedl, the Chief Human Experience Officer at Workhuman. Schmiedl is passionate about innovative approaches to human resources, specifically conversations around making work more personal. Workhuman is a platform for employee recognition and is a significant leader in the conversation around the human working experience. Through automated prompts and public feeds, Workhuman helps companies and organizations establish rhythms of recognition and connection.
Schmiedl outlined three particular ways in which recognition platforms can benefit businesses:
- Employee Onboarding ā Recognition should not only come from the top down; with HR Tech, it’s possible for recognition to be company-wide. At the end of a new employee’s onboarding week, an HR tech platform might prompt coworkers to encourage that individual to start building connections immediately.
- Performance Management ā For many leadership teams, weekly check-ins can feel arduous. HR tech offers a practical solution by prompting regular review questions for employees and leaders to discuss. Workhuman offers questions such as: “What questions do you have? What roadblocks are you facing that I can help remove? How can I encourage you?” Furthermore, employees can be prompted to reflect on their goals and projects throughout the year.
- Personal Updates ā HR tech can encourage holistic recognition. Recognition includes accolades for work progress and achievements and opportunities to share personal life updates to promote an authentic community experience. If an employee has adopted a new puppy, had a baby, or bought a home, they can share something that matters to them with their coworkers. Encouraging personal connection among coworkers teaches that all parts of the human experience add up to the whole of a company.
According to an article from HCM Technology Report, over 90% of today’s workforce would prefer to work from home. Due to the rise of people working remotely in the last few years, employee recognition and communication platforms are on the rise. Whether one’s company has remote employees or wants to create a culture of connection, considering an HR recognition platform is a great opportunity.