Happy and productive employees are a huge part of the overall success of a business. How can employers increase engagement levels of employees? The answer lies in how well organizations recognize and appreciate the hard work of their employees. Gallup, who measures employee engagement levels, explains how recognition initiatives are vital in company engagement programs. “Recognition reinforces what is valued within an organizational culture. One reason recognition is such a strong driver of employee engagement is that if employees feel they will be recognized for doing great work, they will be highly motivated to do so. The same principle applies to enhancing well-being. Increase recognition to increase effort – and improve well-being and engagement at the same time.”
In short, a company’s overall recognition efforts directly correlates with not only engagement, but also retention and the quality of the work being produced. Below is a list of five companies who understand how to best give their employees the recognition they deserve.
1. O.C. Tanner
Having made Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the second year in a row, O.C. Tanner excels in employee recognition programs as well as employee engagement ideas. O.C. Tanner works to keep recognition fresh and unique with reward initiatives ranging from custom trophies, to social buttons, merchandise, gift cards, and emblematic and symbolic awards. More importantly, they work hard on building a culture that has employees recognizing great work of other employees. In turn, this helps employees build better relationships and a teamwork mentality.
2. Salesforce
The San Francisco cloud computing company has created an “Aloha culture” where it’s focused on coworkers interacting kindly and honestly among each other. Salesforce recognizes employees hard work through creating a fun work culture with bonuses like free snacks and beverages during the day, as well as giving out Giants tickets to employees who submit a referral for hires. Furthermore, Salesforce sees the importance of showing appreciation for employee participation in the program, regardless if the referral is placed or not. If placed, employees receive an additional bonus.
3. Nike
The sports retail giant, Nike, recognizes and appreciates their employees across the globe. Besides competitive total compensation, Nike also provides employees opportunities to stay fit and support the wellness of their families. From paid sabbaticals, to product discounts and tuition assistance, Nike works to help employees stay engaged and motivated to create new innovative sports products and technology. In addition, the online platform, NikeU helps with leadership development by growing leaders to better hire, manage, and recognize their teams.
4. Apple
At Apple, employee recognition comes in the form of celebration. One of their many company events includes “beer bashes” on their campus where they serve free beer and appetizers for their employees along with performances from popular musical guests, like One Republic. Another way Apple appreciates its employees is through career building support that recognizes smart and innovative people that build up their workplace culture. Recognition can also be found in their benefits, which include: discounted products for employees, 401(k) plans, health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and parental leave.
5. Google
The tech giant, Google, wants their employees to feel valued when they walk into work. As such, Google has created a “gThanks” program where employees can give recognition to their coworkers for a job well done. Besides giving thanks, employees can also nominate each other with the peer bonuses program where coworkers can receive a bonus of $175. Another aspect of this employee participation culture is a designated area developed from one Google department called “Wall of Happy” where workers can place thank you notes and emails that recognize hard work and achievements to display and motivate others. Lastly, other Google recognition awards range from spot bonuses to personalized awards.
