The Great Resignation has prompted businesses to explore new strategies for employee retention and engagement. One emerging approach is encouraging employees to recognize and praise each other. With traditional gestures like high-fives off the table due to the pandemic, digital accolades have become a popular alternative. But can features like Microsoft Teams’ Praise or a “thank-you” Slack channel truly aid in retention?
The Importance of Recognition in the Workplace
More businesses are advocating for mutual recognition, suggesting that peer praise fosters a positive atmosphere and a sense of belonging. Recognition from colleagues, rather than just higher-ups, is often perceived as more authentic. This is particularly important in the age of hybrid and remote work, where feelings of isolation can be prevalent. Knowing that co-workers appreciate and value your input can effectively combat these feelings.
A Microsoft study found that workplaces with strong colleague relationships report higher productivity and commitment. Over 60% of engaged employees were unlikely to switch jobs in the upcoming year, compared to 39% of those who felt less connected.
How to Compliment Your Colleagues
Companies are adopting various methods to facilitate peer recognition. For instance, Vanguard allows staff to send e-cards for appreciation or milestone celebrations. BigCommerce and others use programs like Bonusly, where employees can allocate points to each other as tokens of appreciation, which can be redeemed like cash. Microsoft Teams’ Praise feature also offers a simple way for colleagues to send badges to each other.
The Drawback of Reliance on the Culture of Praise
Despite its benefits, some express concerns about the culture of collective employee praise. There are worries about the perceived infantilization of the workplace, where employees are encouraged to recognize each other for merely performing their duties. Additionally, this culture can sometimes overlook genuine efforts, turning recognition into a popularity contest or quid pro quo, potentially ignoring those less vocal about their achievements.
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