Make the most of recognition in the festive season

‘Tis the season to be jolly, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la…and there’s every reason to sing out loud with festive cheer.

It’s the time of year where we experience heightened levels of joy and gratitude; the time for giving and rejoicing; the time to consider others and plan for a more fulfilled future.

Those intense feelings go hand in hand with the season and it’s practically impossible not to be swept up in the moment, one that we wish could last forever…and why can’t it?

Recognition programmes traditionally see peak activity towards the end of the year. Full of the joys of the season and with the opportunity to pause and reflect on the year’s achievements, employees share their goodwill and gratitude to recognise colleagues for a job well done, which in turn creates a “snowball effect” of recognition.

Whilst successful employee recognition programmes fully support this increased engagement, it’s important to capitalise on these feelings to ensure continuous feedback. After all, a recognition programme is for life and not just for Christmas!

Regular recognition makes employees five times more likely to feel more included and bring their full selves to work. Does your company’s approach to employee recognition enable you to boost your employees’ engagement and your organisation’s long-term success?

Here are some key things to consider in making recognition a habit:

Start at the top – Want a culture of recognition to spread? Make sure your managers are leading from the front by setting the example and living the values and behaviours you want to see.

Make it easy – Streamline the process, remove excuses, and don’t get bogged down in paperwork. Make sure your method or recognition system integrates seamlessly into existing tools to easily manage formal and informal recognition programmes.

Make it timely – We know you’re busy, but taking a moment to show your appreciation to your colleagues should be a top priority. Any recognition is better than none, but when it’s made in direct response to the event, it’s more appreciated. It also means the behaviour or achievement is more likely to be repeated in future. Employees who receive timely recognition are likely to be more engaged and productive.

Make it personal – Everyone plays a crucial role and there’s nothing as impactful as personalised recognition. If it’s a team effort, ensure you acknowledge their individual contribution, so they feel seen and valued, making the thank-you even more powerful.

Make it specific – Try not to make the recognition message too general. Some people display positive behaviours all the time, but if you can provide a specific instance or occasion where you witnessed it, they’ll better understand and appreciate you noticing.

Be inclusive – Recognition shouldn’t be strictly a top-down activity. If your manager, or your manager’s manager, has demonstrated the company values, show your appreciation. Positive reinforcement is powerful, and managers deserve thank you notes too.

Do it often – Ok, you don’t need to shout from the rooftops each time someone makes a coffee, but if you take the time to look up there will be moments each day that deserve recognition. Employees who receive recognition within their first six months are more likely to remain in the business.

Be transparent – Keep the secret handshakes for secret clubs. Ensure your recognition programme is open and transparent, allowing a culture of trust and mutual respect to spread through your organisation.

Keep it values based – Align recognition to the values you’re trying to reinforce. Provide real-life stories of how your values come to life through your employees. Share them to cultivate and extend the behaviours across your business.

So, if you want to effectively recognise your employees, don’t just make the Spirit of Christmas seasonal, make it a frame of mind. Retain the dopamine effect on your employees, enhance their wellbeing, instil a culture of regular feedback, and develop a strong sense of family.

What are your goals for the New Year?

Set those fireworks off and start the new year on the right foot. After all, a driven and loyal employee is a gift that keeps on giving.

Strengthen this ‘gift’ and go beyond recognition - reward your employees. The impact of recognition intensifies with reward and provides a continuous reminder of the recognition, the behaviour exhibited, and the benefits received, all thanks to the company.

Each new year offers an exciting opportunity for a fresh start and new beginnings. And with BI WORLDWIDE it’s no different. We’re excited to bring you the brand-new Mastery Marketplace.

Studies show that 94% of employees state they’d stay with a company longer if it invested in helping them learn.

Ideal for those new year resolutions, Mastery Marketplace has redemption options for learning and development opportunities. From learning an instrument or language to more academic or business-related subjects, Mastery Marketplace helps your employees to grow wiser, dive deeper into their passions or find new pursuits.

Along with redemption options in our Merchandise and Experiences Marketplaces, our Global Rewards Marketplace has you covered to greet the new year with optimism.

So, let’s get excited about the future. The past won’t mind 😉