Showing your employees that they are appreciated goes a long way in making them feel that you recognize the work they do. Studies have shown that employees who feel valued by their managers and peers tend to be more motivated and stay longer at the company. According to a Gallup study, employees who do not feel adequately recognized are twice as likely to say they’ll quit in the next year.

Since 2020, more firms are moving toward a fully remote or hybrid work culture. Fast-forward to 2021, we are seeing the remote and hybrid environment become the new normal. Video chats and emails are taking center stage as the primary form of communication. As we interact with our employees through screens, we need to be mindful that this isn’t the same as seeing them in person. When it comes to recognizing employees, we might need to start getting a little more creative in our efforts.

Recognition is especially important in a remote environment! Just because your organization may not be able to have in-person appreciation celebrations doesn’t mean you can’t give employees the recognition they deserve. Working remotely is already isolating enough, and it is more important than ever before to recognize your employees and make them feel appreciated for all they do.

6 Tips to Effectively Recognize Employees – Even When They’re Miles Apart

Looking to find new ways to show your employees they are appreciated? Here are a few ideas you can start implementing in your team or department.

1. Maintain consistent communication within teams

Having an open and consistent communication outlet with your department or team is key to keeping your employees engaged. Scheduling regular meetings can be a way for managers to share achievements and gives the opportunity to encourage recognition among coworkers.

2. Appreciation packages or gift cards (if budget allows)

Everybody loves gifts! Something small such as an Amazon gift card or a care package sent to your coworkers’ homes goes a long way in showing recognition. Of course, budgets will determine how elaborate you can get with this idea. However, even a gift card to contribute to an employee’s lunch or coffee break will do the trick.

3. Allow for informal meetings and video chats

It’s important for teams to get to know each other outside of work to build camaraderie. Host informal lunches or happy hours where the team can chat about life updates outside of work. These meetings often allow coworkers to destress and give remote employees an opportunity to get to know their peers in a comfortable and open setting.

4. Recognize the different cultures of your coworkers

Coworkers come from a wide range of diverse backgrounds. Make an effort to recognize occasions or events that are particularly meaningful to your team members. By acknowledging everyone’s unique cultural heritage, you will show your employees that you respect them, which in turn will boost their morale. Celebrating different cultural holidays can also be a fun learning experience for other team members including an opportunity to bond.

5. Provide opportunities for growth

This is one of the best ways to recognize your employees. If you see your employee or coworker asking for more responsibility, or showing interest in specific projects, support them by providing training and other opportunities to promote their professional development.

6. Show recognition with 1:1 meetings with your employees

Scheduling 1:1 meetings with your employees is the best way to chat about their progress. You can let them know how well they are doing on a project or in their role overall. Start on a positive note with recognition of their hard work and efforts before chatting about project updates.

We’ve all been hearing about work-from-home burnout and the challenges of juggling personal lives with work. Boosting morale within your team and making your employees feel acknowledged will go a long way in increasing productivity. Additionally, effective recognition may also help avoid stress and burnout among your peers.

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