Developing a Culture of Recognition
Having spent 75+ years studying human nature and performance, and surveying over 2.7 million workers, Gallup prioritizes the following on their 12-question engagement survey:
"In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work." (Gallup's Q12 Survey)
Recent research also confirms the importance of recognition - according to a new joint report from Gallup and Workhuman, more than 40% of employees want to receive recognition for their contributions a few times a week or more.
Providing recognition at least a few times a month is needed to yield positive effects on employee engagement, culture, wellbeing, and retention. Data also shows there is no such thing as "too much" recognition — as long as it is genuine, appropriately given, and meets individual needs. (Gallup, 2022).
Said differently, as humans, we are bottomless pits for affirmation.
Employee recognition also leads to great work. After analyzing 1.7 million employee survey responses, Great Places to Work found Employee Recognition to be the top driver of great work. Further, recognition efforts contribute to how employees perceive the fairness of promotions and spur innovation and extra effort.
As leaders, how can we possibly provide enough authentic, timely, and personalized recognition to meet each employee's needs? If it is too frequent, is it perceived as genuine?
It turns out that the best leaders develop a culture where the expectation is that everyone is responsible for recognition. Employees should receive recognition frequently from multiple sources. In fact, employees say they want recognition from peers as much as from their supervisors (Gallup, 2022).
There are many techniques to providing recognition – from simple thank yous to formal award programs. Take time to ask employees how they best like to receive recognition. Some staff prefers public recognition, while others cringe when their name is mentioned in a staff meeting. Some like monetary rewards or spontaneous treats, others like additional learning or more opportunities to share their ideas.
When do you recognize a colleague?
The possibilities are limitless. To name a few, for…
Helping out a co‐worker
Crushing a presentation, lesson plan, challenging task, etc.
Volunteering for an undesirable task
Successfully handling a difficult situation with a student, parent, or co-worker
Having a significant impact on a student
Contributing innovative ideas
Achieving a specific goal
Celebrating a life event
Reaching a service award
Where do you start in developing a culture of recognition?
Leaders should model and prioritize giving recognition. This goes beyond the designated days each year for each employee group. Continuous efforts to celebrate educators and recognize exemplary contributions impact the organization's day-to-day performance. Uplift a colleague for a specific job well done by making time for:
One-on-one conversations
Kudos given within meetings or in communications
Handwritten thank you notes
Spontaneous and timely treats, swag bags, etc.
The following may require more time allocation or can impact the budget:
Training managers on employee engagement strategies, including how to model a culture of recognition. Attend a Human Capital Essentials training – free to Ohio educators.
Conducting Stay Interviews with high-flying employees – thank them while giving them your undivided attention to share feedback and ideas.
Providing monetary awards, gifts, or experiences.
Leveraging social media platforms to celebrate staff and their accomplishments.
Nominating standouts for an award. In Ohio, there are 50+ awards that recognize excellence in education. Learn more here and reach out to the professional associations that support each employee group.
Launching a formal recognition program that aligns with your organization's core values. Examples:
o Lakewood City Schools (Ohio): Staff Spotlight Honorees
o Dublin City Schools (Ohio): Golden Shamrock Award
o Oakwood City Schools (Ohio): Staff Superstars
o Wichita Public Schools (Kansas): Awards & Recognition Programs
o Summit County ESC (Ohio): Education Celebration
For more information, visit the Recognition section of the Human Capital Resource Center.