Importance of Employee Recognition during difficult times
The significance of recognizing and appreciating their employees is well-known to all modern organizations. However, while most organizations have a properly planned and well-implemented recognition program in place during the good times, they tend to downgrade or even temporarily discontinue it during difficult times due to costs and other operational pressures. They possibly are unaware of the significance of having a good employee recognition program in place especially during a crisis situation. Even in the current times, not only are organizations but people across the globe appreciating the efforts of those trying to keep things moving even under the highly stressful circumstances. Organizations need to understand the importance of Employee Recognition during difficult times such as this.
Relevance of Employee Recognition during the crisis
The present health crisis that has engulfed the entire world has given us an opportunity to understand the significance of rewards and recognition during troubled times. As the world continues to reel under the Coronavirus pandemic, countless people are going about their regular work schedules to ensure that their organizations are able to fulfill their commitments towards their customers. A large majority of these people are doing so at great risk to their own health and well-being, which makes it even more important for their employers to appreciate their efforts. Recognizing the contribution of the employees especially, the frontline staff, in the present critical times is essential for keeping up their morale and motivating them to keep giving their best. The other category of employees who are working from home is also grappling with various challenges ranging from network infrastructure, power supply, home situation, and remote collaboration. Despite these challenges, they are doing their best to deliver projects on time and meet client commitments. Even this category of employees needs to be recognized.
Benefits of employee recognition during tough situations
While it might seem counter-intuitive, continuing with a good employee recognition program even during tough times can offer significant benefits to organizations. Organizations need to recognize the efforts of their employees who are working against all odds to keep their businesses running. Here are a few benefits of doing so:
1. Enhances their commitment levels
When organizations choose to recognize and appreciate their employees even during tough times, it strengthens their sense of belonging and loyalty towards the organization. This sense of dedication and commitment helps them complete their tasks and meet deadlines and targets even under these challenging situations.
2. Keeps customers engaged
One of the biggest benefits of recognizing employees during difficult times is that they pass on the same sense of comfort and care their customers which help in building great long term relationships. These customers are likely are to stay with the organization for longer and provide greater business once the situation normalizes.
3. Makes them feel valued
Appreciating the efforts being made by employees in highly stressful times assures them of the support of their employers. It strengthens their belief that their contribution matters and is being monitored by the people who matter the most. This can improve their long term motivation well beyond the current crisis.4.
4. Makes them feel safe and cared
It also helps in establishing a humanitarian connection between the employees and the organization. The employees feel valued and respected by their employers, ensuring their long term commitment to the organization.
Effective employee recognition methods for difficult times
During difficult times, it is important for organizations to have an appropriate recognition strategy based on the specific needs and expectations of all types of employees. These include employees who have been working from home or are working at the frontlines even as COVID-19 continues to spread its tentacles. A few effective ways in which organizations can recognize their employees during tough times are discussed below:
2. Reward electronic gift cards
The ability of an organization to stride through difficult times depends a lot on how it can garner the support, dedication and commitment of its employees — recognizing them in a timely and effective manner is definitely a key step towards it. Knowing the Importance of Employee Recognition during difficult times is one critical aspect.
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Importance of Employee Recognition during difficult times
Originally published at https://www.hifives.in on May 6, 2020.
