Geoff Bellman, Your Signature Path. A sincere expression of appreciation from a supervisor, coworker, or client that recognizes an employee's contribution can increase the employee's self-esteem and motivation. A departmental recognition program can remind employees of the importance of regularly recognizing others, and provides an opportunity for more formal recognition. Workers are often willing to put in extra effort when a unit needs special help. Units should recognize these special contributions so that workers do not feel taken for granted.
Recognition can come in many forms.
Find ways to encourage recognition from coworkers and clients in the departmental recognition program. Informally recognizing employees for their contributions, by expressing appreciation for their efforts should be part of the ongoing dialogue between supervisors and staff, coworkers and clients. It is important to take advantage of the many recognition opportunities that present themselves each workday. It is important to Involve department staff in developing a recognition program, and to obtain information from them about the type of recognition they find meaningful. To place importance on recognition in the unit, consider making staff recognition efforts a factor in the performance evaluations of all supervisors.