How Important is Recognition to a Worker? Chances are, More than you Think!
Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States, honors the contributions and achievements of American workers. The origins of Labor Day date back to the late 19th century during the Industrial Revolution, a time when labor conditions were harsh, with long hours, low wages, and unsafe working environments.
The idea for a workers' holiday was first proposed by labor unions as a way to acknowledge the efforts of workers and advocate for their rights. The first unofficial Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City, organized by the Central Labor Union. The day featured a parade, speeches, and festivities, with thousands of workers participating. The event was so successful that it was repeated the following year.
Since then, Labor Day has evolved into a celebration of workers' rights and the end-of-summer festivities, including parades, barbecues, and other leisure activities, however at it’s inception it was about recognition and appreciation.
The art of recognition and appreciation is one of the most underutilized values in business. They are a gift that you can give to someone that provides positive feedback, increases morale and promotes well being and a healthy sense of identity. Calling out a person’s strength, skill set or contribution communicates that they have been seen for their efforts and the value they bring to your organization.
It is a common misconception that salary is the biggest motivator in the workplace. While your compensation matters, You only have to work in a unhealthy environment with good pay to realise the truth of this statement. Studies have shown that most people would take the healthy environment with lower compensation.
I’m a big fan of Captain Abrashoff’s book “It’s Your Ship.” It tells the story of how he became the captain of USS Benfold, a troubled ship that, in a short 18 months, he and his crew transformed into the best guided-missile destroyer in the U.S. Navy. One of the issues it faced was re-enlistment. He started to realize how powerful recognition and appreciation was:
I read some exit surveys, interviews conducted by the military to find out why people are leaving. I assumed low pay would be the first answer, but in fact it was fifth. The top reason was not being treated with respect and dignity; second was being prevented from making an impact on the organization; third, not being listened to; and fourth, not being rewarded with more responsibility.
Captain D. Michael Abrashoff from “It’s Your Ship”
I am always struck with the words that God the father speaks over Jesus after his baptism. It is after this moment that Jesus begins the work He came to earth to complete, but not before receiving the recognition and appreciation of the one who sent him:
“…and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased and delighted!”
Matthew 3:17 AMP
Finding ways to communicate value to people is important to me. We started an ERP (Employee Recognition Program) at my company and the feedback I get is that it makes a difference to people’s lives. This often looks like a monthly moment in our team meetings where the recipient who has been nominated by their co-workers receives a certificate, card, gift card or a rockstar energy drink (because they are rockstars.) The award is more of a token but the real value is in the recognition and appreciation. In honor of labor day, how can you communicate the value of the people you work with?
FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmailYOU MAY ALSO LIKE