In today’s fast-moving work world, the key to winning isn’t just about cool tech or smart processes. It’s about truly putting people first. Dr. Meisha-Ann Martin, VP of People Research at Workhuman and speaker at SHRM 25, recently showed us just how powerful this can be. She highlighted that when done right, recognition isn’t just a nice gesture – it’s a game-changer for your entire company.
Why Recognition Matters More Than You Think
When you genuinely recognize your employees, amazing things start to happen. It’s a proven way to reduce how many people leave your company, make everyone more engaged, improve safety, and even make your customers happier. Plus, it builds a culture where everyone feels valued and can really shine.
Dr. Martin explained that good recognition also helps shape your company’s culture, fitting perfectly with new trends like AI and helping your team learn new skills. It’s all about giving real feedback, focusing on what people do best, and truly appreciating their efforts. When you do this, you unlock strategies that help both individuals and the whole team grow.
The 5 Building Blocks of Great Recognition
So, how do you make recognition truly powerful? Dr. Martin shared these five simple, yet proven, elements:
- Be Intentional: Don’t just say “good job” randomly. Think about who you’re recognizing, why, and what specific thing they did that deserves praise.
- Embed it in Culture: Make recognition a natural part of how your company works every single day. It should be a constant flow, not just a once-a-year event.
- Make it Personal: Generic praise falls flat. Take the time to make your recognition specific to the person and their unique contribution. What did they do? How did it help?
- Recognize and Recognize Again: A single “thank you” isn’t enough. Keep the appreciation flowing regularly. People need to feel valued consistently.
- Create a Fair System: Make sure everyone in your organization has an equal opportunity to be recognized, no matter their role, background, or how long they’ve been there.
Make Check-Ins Count: 5 Tips for HR Pros
Beyond formal programs, those quick, regular “check-ins” with employees are a golden opportunity for recognition. Here are 5 easy things HR professionals can do to make these chats truly effective:
- Start with the Human: Begin by asking about them, not just work tasks. “How are you doing, really?”
- Make Time; Just Do It: Don’t put it off. Even a few minutes of focused, dedicated attention is better than waiting for the ‘perfect’ time.
- Show Up Fully & Be Present: Put away your phone, close your laptop. Give them your full, undivided attention.
- Make it Quality Time, Not a Waste of Time: Focus on their strengths, celebrate their progress, and discuss how you can genuinely support them.
- Compliment More Than You Critique: Use these moments to build them up. Focus on what they’re doing well far more often than pointing out what needs fixing.
As Dr. Martin emphasized, making work truly human starts with simple, genuine recognition. By putting these actionable strategies into practice, HR leaders can unlock their team’s full potential, leading to a more engaged, stable, and successful organization.