Recognition At Work... Your Thoughts...

[AKL_Megs]

Do you like/want/need recognition at work?

The VP (of something) for my place of business paid us a visit today. He randomly selected people to ask them questions. One question he really hung on was, "What could be done to improve recognition?".

Apparently the verbal recognition, pats on the back, treats, and snacks we NOW get for a job well done aren't enough. I think we get TOO MUCH recognition.

I'm the kind of person who goes to work, does my work, and can appreciate the good feeling of SELF recognition. I don't need a big deal to be made when I work hard. Sure, candy treats and lunch snacks are nice, but THEY are not what motivate me to work hard. I guess I just have pride?

How about you?

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

That's what yearly bonuses are for!
Its all the recognition I need.

But husband's company has a different take - they are nationwide and do a lot for recognition that culminates in a big yearly award ceremony.

It is always nice to be patted on the back.

 

[GaRain]

We used to have these things called "Handshakes" and you collected these little squares of paper from your coworkers when you had done something above and beyond for them. You filled a board similar to a Bingo Board and when full, you turned in for a $50 gift card for Starbucks, Target or Home Depot.
Well, I guess people took advantage of how easy this was and now we have a new program and I have to say - no one uses it.
So, while I come to work to do my job, I do like being told thank you. I do like it when you go to my boss and tell her that I have done a good job. That means more to me than some candy treat.
But I have to tell ya - that $50 gift card to Target really came in handy once in awhile!

 

[ols386]

I like getting verbal recognition or a pat on the back once in awhile, but a raise or bonus would probably mean more. Although I haven't had a raise/bonus in 4 years....not complaining though. I'm just glad to have a job right now, what with unemployment being what it is today.

 

[Pakey]

A few years ago I asked my staff to submit to me a list of what would make them happier in the workplace. They did not have to identify themselves on their submissions. I honestly expected to see bigger bonuses and higher wages on their lists (although we are very generous with compensation).

Except for one, every other submission had recognition as their number one motivation. I was shocked. I've never forgotten it as I'm not the type to give praise on a daily basis. I now try very hard to acknowledge their efforts.

 

[AKL_Megs]

It just feels so shoved down your throat where I am working... Like they do it just so we say good things when the VP comes.

 

[AKL_Megs]

A few years ago I asked my staff to submit to me a list of what would make them happier in the workplace. They did not have to identify themselves on their submissions. I honestly expected to see bigger bonuses and higher wages on their lists (although we are very generous with compensation).

Except for one, every other submission had recognition as their number one motivation. I was shocked. I've never forgotten it as I'm not the type to give praise on a daily basis. I now try very hard to acknowledge their efforts.

Oh, I agree on the verbal recognition, but I think people get used to the tokens, and get greedy and lazy if they don't get them ALL of the time. I guess that is my point.

 

[Evil Genius]

It's nice to be rewarded for the efforts of a job well done. Unfortunately, at the company I work for, all the praise goes to the managers or the chosen few that the CEO likes. So there isn't any pat on the back or thanks for going the extra mile type of warm fuzzies here.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

It is always nice to be patted on the back or recognized for doing a job well. I think that it motivates people to work hard. Doing the same thing day after day and not feeling like any of your efforts are noticed is a bummer.

Even though I don't work, I do keep the house clean, the kids fed and all of their needs met as well as many other things too. Even a simple "the house looks great" or "dinner was good", means a lot to me.

 

[Mixie]

Funny, the last place I worked started this little committee to discover how the employees would like to be recognized for outstanding work.

Hands down, the employees said 'money'. There was no such thing as bonuses at our work.

The committee took this information to the top people - who promptly said 'no' to bonuses.

End result - a 'certificate' printed out on the laser printer for the outstanding employees.

It was such a slap in the face that everyone was angry about the outcome. It would have been better if the subject was not brought up at all.

 

[diznygirl]

I had one boss that would say Thank You to me every day before leaving the office. Sure, you're welcome - but I'm getting paid for this.

Now, when I did someone else's job it would have been nice for him to thank me, or his boss. But I don't expect recognition for doing something that is in my job description.

 

[Conservative Hippie]

It is always nice to be patted on the back or recognized for doing a job well. I think that it motivates people to work hard. Doing the same thing day after day and not feeling like any of your efforts are noticed is a bummer.

Even though I don't work, I do keep the house clean, the kids fed and all of their needs met as well as many other things too. Even a simple "the house looks great" or "dinner was good", means a lot to me.

I agree. I'm a SAHM and I can only take so much "pride" in what I do myself. I really appreciate it when DH notices that I tackled a certain chore, or when dinner is complimented.

My mom has an issue right now with a new boss where her achievements are constantly being overlooked, ignored, or in some cases completely deleted without any explanation. New boss has even taken away some of the "perks" my mother previously earned in the 17 years she has worked there. Needless to say she is very unhappy in her job and wants a change. "Pride" can only give you so much job satisfaction. I think recognition for a job well done is important.

 

[wvjules]

We get what are called "Spot Awards". Any co-worker can nominate another or a government worker can nominate one of us as well. The employee being nominated usually has done something remarkable and well-above the paramenters of their job. They come with a $50 check.

I think in the 6 years I've worked here I've gotten a dozen or so.

 

[tlbwriter]

I'm the kind of person who goes to work, does my work, and can appreciate the good feeling of SELF recognition. I don't need a big deal to be made when I work hard. Sure, candy treats and lunch snacks are nice, but THEY are not what motivate me to work hard. I guess I just have pride?

Are you suggesting that people who are self-motivated, but still like to have their good work recognized, have no pride?

 

[disykat]

I don't like recognition awards, but appreciate kind words.

I figure this is like the book about the 5 languages of love. Words of affirmation is one of my languages, gifts is most definately not. I can see how other people may be different.

That said, in my experience, affirmation gifts etc. can "go bad" in a workplace causing jealousy and bad feelings. OR - My husbands office gets silly little gifts sometimes and they have a riot putting them in silly places etc. They all think it's odd. Sure, they'd love extra cash, but the little recognition gifts are the office joke.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Do you like/want/need recognition at work?

Yes, I like to be appreciated. If I am working my butt off (compared to others in the company), I want to make sure somebody else knows it. That doesn't mean snacks or a certificate, but acknowledgement.

Oh, and a raise would be nice.

While I'm at it, I'd like a pony.

 

[southern_redhead]

Well I am a teacher's assistant and we receive no recognition whatsoever. No bonuses (though teachers get at least one holiday bonus a year) and no kind words. I used to go above and beyond but got sick of being overlooked until something wasn't to the liking of "the powers that be" and then I would be "corrected" in how to do it. As in, ripped a new one for any little thing. So now I show up on time, do what is asked of me and nothing else, and I leave right when my day is done. I am also looking for a new job. We have teachers here who blatantly don't pull their weight/do their job and it is overlooked but if I don't automatically step in and do someone else's job I get a "memo".

I don't need a sticker or a snack but a "thanks for stepping up and helping when you didn't have to" would be nice. Heck "thanks for doing your job when 25% of your coworkers don't" would go a long way. If they even gave me twenty dollars extra at the end of the year I'd faint. Lol sorry this has been a BAD DAY revolving around this very subject

 

[southern_redhead]

Yes, I like to be appreciated. If I am working my butt off (compared to others in the company), I want to make sure somebody else knows it. That doesn't mean snacks or a certificate, but acknowledgement.

Oh, and a raise would be nice.

While I'm at it, I'd like a pony.

well said!!

 

[SC Minnie]

It does feel good. Last week I pulled a rabbit out of the hat and was able to keep one of our mills from shutting down. It was a lot of work and I had to coordinate with a lot of people that don't work for our company to make this happen. Thankfully everything went well and the mill got their chemicals and were able to keep running.

For Valentine's day our office did Candy Grams. The Chemical group sent me a Candy Gram. It was so unexpected and wasn't much but made me feel very appreciated.

We don't get snacks or things like that but we do get bonuses if the company is making money. This year we are getting a bonus but other years we didn't make money but still busted our butts at work so I don't tie a bonus to a pat on the back.

 

[perdidochas]

Do you like/want/need recognition at work?

The VP (of something) for my place of business paid us a visit today. He randomly selected people to ask them questions. One question he really hung on was, "What could be done to improve recognition?".

Apparently the verbal recognition, pats on the back, treats, and snacks we NOW get for a job well done aren't enough. I think we get TOO MUCH recognition.

I'm the kind of person who goes to work, does my work, and can appreciate the good feeling of SELF recognition. I don't need a big deal to be made when I work hard. Sure, candy treats and lunch snacks are nice, but THEY are not what motivate me to work hard. I guess I just have pride?

How about you?

I would tell him: bonus pay or an extra day off here and there.


We all occasionally need recognition. If your company is already doing it, then they probably don't need much more, and it may even annoy you. If you've ever worked for a company that gives no recognition, it's not very motivating.