Carl Martens, Executive Chronicles |
Which is the more productive office environment? Is it the one where employees keep their heads down at their desks all day and concentrate only on their tasks? Or, is it the one where employees take the time to chat with one another about their work and congratulate one another on a job well done? Many managers probably believe that an office where employees have the time to commiserate is one where productivity is lower, but they might be surprised to learn that isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, a growing number of employers are recognizing the potential for peer-to-peer recognition to boost morale, encourage higher performance and improve productivity. Rather than have employees stay contained within their individual bubbles of work, these employers are developing programs that encourage employees to pay attention to what their co-workers are doing and recognize them for their hard work and dedication. When implemented in conjunction with traditional top-down recognition programs, peer-to-peer recognition can be an effective tool for improving employee engagement and creating a more productive office.
Peer-to-peer recognition programs are effective because they are based in sincerity. When an employee receives an accolade from a co-worker, he or she is more likely to take it to heart because he or she understands that the co-worker has a closer understanding of the challenges involved in the job than management would. Even when there is no physical reward attached to the program, the psychological rewards of an effective peer-to-peer recognition program can be enough to encourage much stronger employee engagement than without it. Additionally, the advent of social media means it has never been easier for employees to publicly share their appreciation for co-workers, even when they don’t work in the same location. The following guide explains how peer-to-peer recognition can work toward higher employee engagement and details how it can be implemented. Follow it, and your office environment can be a lot more connected and productive.
Author bio: Carl Martens is a resident catalyst for change at Award Concepts. After graduating with a degree in Sales and Marketing from DeVry University, he has become an advocate for his clients. He is dedicated to working with closely with his clients to understand their organization and develop and deliver custom recognition
programs. Link in bio: Award Concepts (http://www.acthebest.com/programs-and- services/)
