All about R&R 👏

Hi folks!

This is Mariam Mushtaq, bringing you this week’s second edition of HR Brain Pickings. Congratulations on making it through Monday! 😁

When asked about which feature would be the most important in an engagement platform, rewards and recognition was tied at the top 3. 📊

So today we will explore the what, why and how of rewards and recognition. 🕵️‍♂️

When contemplating employee recognition, as HRs it's common to initially focus on its practical aspects – the frequency, methods, criteria, and type of rewards, etc. These mechanics are undoubtedly crucial. ❗

However, it's also useful to understand the science behind recognition. Understanding these dynamics can really empower HR professionals to create more effective and meaningful recognition strategies. 🧑‍💼

The Power of Recognition 💪

Imagine a world where every 'thank you' and 'well done' boosts efficiency and productivity. That's exactly what happens when employees are recognized. It increases their productivity levels, they are ready to tackle extra tasks, and go beyond their usual responsibilities. 🙏

Now, picture the opposite: a workplace where recognition is rare. No high fives, no ‘good work’ nods, just the deafening silence of unacknowledged effort. 🙍Suddenly, all that hard work feels like it’s pointless and has no real value, leaving employees feeling invisible, undervalued, and disengaged with their work.

Recognizing each others efforts isn't just a nice thing to do or an additional incentive for employees – it's an essential factor to maintain a motivated and engaged workforce. 🧑‍💼

The Science Behind Recognition 🧬

Remember Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs? Humans are wired to seek connections and appreciation. 👏

Feeling and expressing gratitude (or recognition) activates several parts of the brain like the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for regulating positive emotions. 🧠

Basically, the more we practice and receive recognition, the more we activate these circuits in our brain. 🧠

Recognition also helps with stress-relief 😮‍💨

Imagine you finally submit that project for review and you receive a “Great work on that presentation deck - keep it up!” 👏 Don’t you feel a huge sense of relief that runs down from the tip of your forehead to your toes? We all know this feeling right?

According to a study, participants who felt grateful showed a marked reduction in the level of cortisol, the stress hormone. Additionally, feeling grateful and recognized, can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. 🔻

How does recognition contribute to organizational success though?

There is a clear link between Recognition, Employee Well-Being and Employee Productivity. Research found that when employees believe they will be recognized, they are 2.7x more likely to be highly engaged. 🚀

There is tons of research and proof that employees want to be recognized, especially by their managers. Employees that get recognized are more willing to stay with that company, which is a clear link to improving retention rates. 📈

Characteristics of an Effective R&R Program

• Instant or Spot Recognitions: The power of 'now' is immense. Employees are more likely to use a tool that is not too complex and doesn’t require too much of an effort. 🌟

• Personalized Recognition: Tailoring recognitions to suit individual preferences or achievements makes them a lot more meaningful and impactful. 🎁

• Managerial Recognition: Recognition from managers holds significant value. A majority of employees want to be recognized more by their managers. 👩‍💼🤝

• Tie to Company Values: Aligning recognition with company values reinforces what's important to the organization and encourages employees to embody these values. 📈🏢

• Employee Feedback: Incorporating feedback from employees helps in shaping a culture that truly resonates with them and meets their needs and expectations. 🗣️👂

• Data and Analytics: Utilizing people analytics helps in understanding the impact of the R&R program and guides decision-making for future improvements. 📊💡

• Continuous Improvement: An effective R&R program is never static. Continuously seeking ways to improve and evolve the program ensures it stays relevant and effective. 🔄

Today’s Key Takeaways 📝

Rewards and Recognition Platform Spotlight 🔦

From one-click instant recognitions to customizable company rewards, EngageWith is a quick and easy solution that integrates right within Slack or MS Teams. 💻

Bonus Resource: Employee Rewards and Recognition Ideas [2024 Updated Guide]

Today’s Reads 📖

• Back to Employee Burnout? 🤯 Hear from HR Experts. Click to Read Their Insights!

• Beyond Burnout: Facing 'bored-out' employees 💤👀. Dive into this SHRM Article for prevention tips!"

• Stay Ahead in 2024: 💼📈 Unveil Pay Raises & Salary Trends.