Intelligent CXO Issue 43 | Page 72

BUSINESS INSIGHTS
enough to rely solely on financial rewards ; employees crave personal , timely and emotional recognition . A structured , yet flexible , approach to rewards – one that incorporates peer-to-peer recognition , manager feedback and even cultural celebrations – can make all the difference .
Additionally , business leaders must communicate their company ’ s mission , values and purpose clearly . Shockingly , just 23 % of employees fully understand their company ’ s mission and purpose , which disconnects them from their work and recognition efforts .
Driving success through emotional connection
The bottom line is clear : recognition drives engagement , and engagement drives
business success . By fostering a culture where recognition is ingrained in daily operations , rather than reserved for annual bonuses , business leaders can inspire greater loyalty , creativity and productivity . And it all starts with managers , the unsung heroes of the recognition process .
If businesses want to thrive in the modern world , they must transform recognition into an everyday action , embedding it into the heart of workplace culture .
Here ’ s my top five tips on how to foster empathy and enhance recognition in your organisation :
1 . Implement a personalised and timely recognition programme – acknowledge employee achievements – including manager feedback , peer-to-peer recognition and public acknowledgements during team meetings .
2 . Enhance communication channels – Ensure employees can easily convey their needs and concerns to leadership through clear and open channels . This can be facilitated through regular check-ins , feedback sessions and anonymous surveys .
3 . Equitable recognition practice – Review and adjust practices to ensure they are fair and equitable across all levels of the organisation . Transparency in how recognition is awarded can help mitigate feelings of bias .
4 . Foster a culture where appreciation is a fundamental part of the daily environment – Encourage leaders to adopt appreciative behaviours and recognise contributions from all team members in the moment , regardless of their level or tenure .
5 . Career development opportunities – Employees highly value career growth , and recognition programmes should include pathways for and align with , professional advancement . x
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