Recognition and self-awareness
- Philip Brophy
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
A little goes a long way • 3 min read
Studies carried out by non-profit ‘What Works for Children’s Social Care’, examining the impact of symbolic awards on the overall happiness of social workers, showed that interventions such as public recognition, cards, and certificates — can exponentially increase performance, retention rates, and intrinsic motivation.
Introduction
We last looked at how positive recognition through observation and sincere communication is key to impacting workplace culture and people’s performance in meaningful ways.
Today, we’ll look at more ways to give credit where it’s due. This leads to increased levels of motivation, self-worth, and morale across a team.
Raise better self-awareness
The perception gap is the disconnect between how managers think they offer recognition to their employees, and how much they actually do — and it’s often a lot less in reality. This can stem from a lack of self-awareness, and sadly, can be a main motivator for someone leaving a company.
This is why it’s essential that, as managers, we identify how we create a workplace culture where employees feel appreciated and valued on a daily basis, resulting in better team collaboration, boosted morale, and an enthusiasm to contribute.
Offer symbolic awards
A bit of appreciation can go a long way, and symbolic gestures can make a real impact. They’re cost-effective and easy to implement for the company. Examples include:
Writing short, personalised cards or notes showing gratitude for a team member’s good performance — this could be a simple "thank you" or "job well done."
Giving shout-outs for an employee’s contributions in team meetings.
Holding small social gatherings to celebrate the team’s successes.
Celebrating employees
Celebrating employees at work for personal achievements is similarly an impactful way to help team members to grow. When we recognise employees for running a marathon, adopting a dog, volunteer activities, or achieving another type of personal goal, it’s a fantastic way for team members to get to know each other, encourage one another, and find common interests, boosting morale all around.
Show gratitude frequently
By recognising team members more frequently, we’ll also help them to feel encouraged and motivated.
This could include:
Weekly recognition where the team can nominate a peer for going above and beyond for that week.
Using the intranet to put a spotlight (or post a special mention) on individual employees. This will encourage shoutouts and comments from peers.
Take ten minutes at the end of every day to recognize a team member. If we do this at close of play, it will stick with employees as they leave work, reinforcing their sense of purpose, while providing a boost for the next day.eck-in to tick a box for the Human Resources Department.
Key takeaways
By harnessing self-awareness, we can create a workplace where team members’ contributions are frequently acknowledged. This results in better collaboration and boosted morale.
Symbolic awards can be a powerful way to recognise others around us. These can include shout-outs and verbal recognition of peoples’ personal achievements.
Frequent recognition of team members will keep them encouraged and motivated. This can include taking ten minutes at the end of every day to recognise team members — reinforcing people’s sense of purpose, and boosting morale for the week to come.
Think big, act small
Go ahead and demonstrate meaningful recognition to a team member.
How about giving a shout-out to someone who really went above and beyond recently?
Content sources
Forbes, 2020, Council Post, ‘16 Effective Ways to Incorporate Employee Recognition For Enhanced Motivation’
Forbes, 2019, Janine Schindler, ‘Employee Motivation: It Really Does Matter’
Forbes, 2020, Lori McKnight, ‘Recognition is Essential, Now more than Ever’
Gallup, Jim Harter, 2018, ‘Employee Engagement on the Rise in the U.S.’
Harvard Business Review, 2021, Shibeal O'Flaherty et al. ‘Research: A Little Recognition Can Provide a Big Morale Boost’
Psychology Today, 2013, Victor Lipman, ‘New Employee Study Shows Recognition Matters More Than Money’
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