| Employee Recognition Programs |
| Study Finds Updating Now More Important Than Ever Before |
| A recent poll reports that while recognition programs have a big impact on employee productivity and retention, many employees are unhappy with their current programs. The study reports that, of the 1,002 randomly selected employed adults surveyed, 55 percent are not happy with their recognition programs. |
| However, the poll also found that recognition programs, when done right, can be extremely impactful on employee performance and attitude. |
| >> 73 percent of respondents agree that they prefer to choose from a variety of awards rather than receive a pre-selected item. |
| >> 66 percent feel that an recognition award program affects (strongly/somewhat) their future/continued employment at a company, with a stronger showing from younger employees. (74 percent of the 18-34 year olds and 57 percent 45-54 year olds) |
| >> 68 percent agree that additional award opportunities would motivate them to be more productive at their jobs, with a stronger level of agreement from the younger employees (79 percent of 18-34 year olds and 60 percent of 45-54 year olds). |
| "The fact that more than half of respondents were unhappy with their recognition programs coupled with the greater importance of these programs to younger employees should be a major concern for companies. With younger workers more willing to change jobs, and the improving economy, companies are at risk of high turnover - an issue that employers have not seen in several years," said Jane Herod, a recognition services firm president. "Many companies have not taken a look at updating their recognition program since before the economy began to decline. Now is the time to review and modify current recognition programs to keep them fresh and highly motivating." |
| How to Give Recognition Programs New Life |
| The survey also identified two of the most common pitfalls in recognition programs, lack of ongoing program communication and performance feedback and offering limited award options that may not suit the varied lifestyles of the employee base. |
| For example: |
| >> 44 percent of respondents receive communications regarding program guidelines only at the start of the program. Only 33 percent of those respondents said they were happy with their program versus 66 percent who received communications weekly. |
| >> 39 percent of respondents received feedback regarding their progress within the program only at the very end of the program. Only 29 percent of those respondents said they were happy with their program versus 61 percent who received feedback weekly. |
| >> 73 percent of respondents agree that they prefer to choose from a variety of awards rather than receive a pre-selected item. |
| "Understanding and capitalizing on the diversity within your workforce is critical in the 21st century," said Herod. "Building an recognition program that fits your employee base not only maximizes employee performance, but ensures your employees feel good about their company and stay with it." |