How to Win Leadership Support for Employee Recognition Programs

One of the most effective ways to boost employee satisfaction and productivity is to provide recognition for workers' contributions.   Many organizations implement employee recognition programs in order to develop a culture where associates feel recognized and appreciated.  For these programs to be successful, it's vital that the company's managers and leaders actively embrace them.  Yet it can be a challenge for an HR professional who is responsible for running the recognition program to win the ongoing support of leadership and managers.  In this post, we'll offer some tips for winning leadership support for employee recognition programs.

Designate a respected Recognition Champion.

Top leadership and managers must be supportive of the employee recognition program, but in most cases recognition is a responsibility that they need to fit it in among many others.  A designated Recognition Champion can look at all of the organization's activities through the lens of how it fits with your organization's employee recognition culture. This person can help highlight important recognition opportunities for leaders and managers.

Keep the lines of communication open.

Managers must understand the recognition program, how it works and why it is in place in order to actively support and participate in it.  At the initial launch of your program, it's important that all managers receive training about the recognition program. Consider a quarterly or annual review of the program where key stakeholders can get together to review the performance of the program and how it is impacting the organization and its people. This will build understanding and ownership among the management group.

Equip leaders with the tools to recognize their teams.

It's important to remember that some managers in your organization are likely to be uncomfortable or unsure of how to provide their employees with the recognition they need to thrive.  Terryberry's offers several resources that may help your organization's managers, including a downloadable award presentation cheat sheet and recognition speech tips.  Managers should have a bank of recognition awards or discretionary award points that they can give to their team.  When managers have the tools for recognition easily accessible, they are far more likely to engage enthusiastically with your organization's recognition program.
Learn more about how to win leadership support for employee recognition programs by registering to attend this free webinar on April 25.