In understanding the complexities of our region and the economy, employee retention is critical for both employer reputation and for labor efficiency. While competitive salaries and benefits are essential, a key differentiator lies in fostering a culture of appreciation. We find, more often than not, that pay is important—but there is no amount of money that is a replacement for having a positive experience with your employer. This isn’t just about feeling good – research shows a direct link between employee appreciation and increased engagement, productivity, and loyalty.
WHY APPRECIATION MATTERS
Employees who feel valued and appreciated are demonstrably more invested in their work. Studies by Gallup and others show that appreciated employees are:
- 17% more productive
- 21% more profitable
- 41% less likely to leave their jobs
These numbers speak for themselves. But how can HR leaders cultivate a culture of appreciation within their organizations?
Building a Foundation of Appreciation
1. Make it Strategic, Not Sporadic
Don’t leave appreciation to chance. Develop a formal recognition program but go beyond the typical “employee of the month.” Create opportunities for peer-to-peer recognition, team celebrations for milestones, and personalized thank-you notes for a job well done.
2. Go Beyond the Tangible
Public recognition and bonuses are great, but some employees value genuine connection more. Actively listen to your team, encourage open communication, and offer opportunities for professional development.
3. Make it Consistent
Appreciation shouldn’t be a one-time event. Integrate it into your company culture. Regularly acknowledge achievements, big and small.
4. Align with Company Values
Ensure your recognition program reflects your company’s core values. When employees see a connection between their work and the company’s mission, it creates a deeper sense of purpose.
5. Personalize Your Approach
One size doesn’t fit all. Understand your employees’ preferences. Some may value public praise, while others might prefer a quiet “thank you.” Understanding HOW your employees want to be appreciated, is as important as appreciating them.
The reality is that many employers think employee appreciation is a task on a check list. Unfortunately, when you approach employee appreciation as a task instead of a meaningful activity, it can be more detrimental than good. We saw this concept play out during the pandemic. Employees were stressed about COVID, working long hours (and lots of overtime), and companies were understaffing causing workers to take on more duties. Images circulated on social media of everything from failed pizza parties to free bananas. These failures occur when the employer does not consider the employee perspective. An employee appreciation program is only great when it’s in alignment with the employees that it serves—and frankly, that looks different for every organization. What works well for a group of industrial employees, is probably pretty different than what a group of accountants might enjoy.
How do we understand how to appreciate our work force? We ask them what they want.
Many companies conduct an annual survey, and it simply sits in a drawer. Consider including questions regarding current or future employee engagement programs as a part of your survey. Take that information and put it into action.
Through Specialized HR Services, Specialized Staffing conducts in-person, one on one stay interviews. Through this program, we cultivate a culture of productive feedback. A critical area of our program is understanding what is needed and how to deliver employee appreciation. By gathering detailed insight in your organization, we can use this data to determine how you will put your best foot forward as an Employer of Choice.
Whether you ask on your own, or bring Specialized Staffing Solutions in to support Stay Interviews, soliciting employee feedback is a critical component of a successful, and profitable, Employee Engagement Program.
Specialized Staffing Solutions: Your Partner in Building a Culture of Appreciation
At Specialized Staffing Solutions (SSS), we understand the importance of building a strong employer brand and attracting top talent. Our services can help you achieve your goals:
- Business Consulting: Our HR experts can conduct a comprehensive HR audit and provide strategic guidance on building a culture of appreciation specific to your company.
- Employer of Choice Services: We help you develop an Employer Value Proposition (EVP) that showcases your appreciation for employees and attracts top performers.
- HR Outsourcing: We can manage your entire HR function, allowing your internal team to focus on creating a meaningful employee experience.
Ready to cultivate a culture of appreciation within your organization?
Contact Specialized Staffing Solutions today. Let’s build a brighter future for your employees and your business.
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