SOURCE: http://gmj.gallup.com CONTACT: The Gallup Management Journal INFORMATION: Editorial and Executive Offices1251 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2350New York, NY 10020888-274-5447
Frequent recognition is a surefire -- and affordable -- way to boost employee engagement
November 09, 2006
Employees who report they're not adequately recognized at work are three times more likely to say they'll quit in the next year. That's a shame, as this problem is completely avoidable. Frequent recognition is a surefire -- not to mention affordable -- way to boost employee engagement, and to keep good people.
This supervisor in Poland had many obstacles to overcome, not least of which was being a diminutive woman in a paper plant dominated by burly men. What's more, a palpable malaise permeated the place. But by giving her employees something they hadn't received before -- large doses of praise and recognition -- she turned around this formerly government-run warehouse. Her approach was downright radical.
The number-one reason people leave their jobs is because they "don't feel appreciated," according to the U.S. Department of Labor. What's a manager to do? Start by offering praise to employees that's individualized, deserved, and specific.
Disengaged and poorly managed workers could be chasing business out the door, write the authors of How Full Is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies for Work and Life. What's more, workgroups drained by excessive negativity also have higher turnover, more accidents on the job, and lower customer satisfaction, innovation, and quality scores.
