As employers, we also have the opportunity to improve the quality of our workplace for our employees. The recession has certainly taken a toll on our workforce. According to a Conference Board study released Tuesday, job satisfaction is at an all-time low. A CareerBuilder study released in late 2009 showed that 40%of workers report that they have had difficulty staying motivated at work over the past year due to increased workloads, longer hours and strained resources. Now is the time to do something. It’s time to make a resolution – a Recognition Resolution.


What is the Recognition Resolution?

The Recognition Resolution is a commitment you make to your employees to recognize them more often and in a more meaningful way. Studies show that recognition increases engagement and motivation because when an employee is recognized, they become aligned to the company’s goals and have a stronger desire to help the company succeed.

Recognition Resolution Rules

Just like with our personal resolutions, the Recognition Resolution requires the creation of a plan with attainable goals and practices.

1. Make recognitions a PIC – Positive, Immediate and Certain. Ensure that when you give employees praise for a job well done, it is given immediately after the positive behavior is exhibited. Doing this will trigger repeat behavior because the employee knows that their positive actions will receive positive feedback.

2. Introduce peer-to-peer recognition. Everyone likes to be recognized by their boss (and they should be), but in order to truly embed a recognition in the workplace, allow employees to recognize their colleagues and peers. It helps build momentum amongst the team and a culture of recognition.

3. Realize that recognition is not one-size-fits-all. Give recognition in a way that the receiver wants to receive it, not the way the sender wants to send it. Personalizing recognition to fit the preferences of the recipient makes the recognition that much more meaningful. For example, one employee may appreciate a public announcement of recognition at a townhall meeting whereas another employee will appreciate a lunch with their manager.


Resolve to make employee recognition a part of your culture and business, and take advantage of the benefits – a motivated, aligned workforce committed to your organization and its goals.