Ingrain and Sustain Recognition
Rewarding employees without recognition is counterproductive. Put recognition first and use rewards to amplify its effectiveness.
- Expectations are rapidly changing about how, and how often, employees should be recognized.
- Rewards and recognition programs are often too focused on the tangible reward element, ignoring the more important, but intangible, recognition element.
- Recognition programs are created in an ad hoc manner that does not align with organizational or individual needs.
Our Advice
Critical Insight
- Recognition is impactful independent of rewards (i.e. items with a monetary value), but rewarding employees without proper recognition can be counterproductive. Put recognition first and use rewards as a way to amplify its effectiveness.
Impact and Result
- Design a recognition program with the three keys to recognition in mind: customization, alignment, and transparency.
- Ask employees how they want to be recognized. Customization will make the program more effective.
- Discover key strategic and cultural behaviors that the organization wants to drive, and align recognition criteria with these behaviors.
- Create transparency with a fair and open recognition selection process.
Ingrain and Sustain Recognition Research & Tools
1. Assess current recognition landscape
Gather feedback on employee perceptions of recognition, and select key recognition criteria.
2. Design the recognition program
Identify the structure of recognition program and design recognition initiatives.
3. Implement the recognition program
Engrain recognition by selecting metrics to measure the program’s impact, designing an action plan, and training managers.
4. Launch LMS training
Instill learning throughout the organization. Import an interactive eLearning module into your business’ existing learning management system.
Recognition
This program has been approved for 1 to 1.5 continuing professional development (CPD) hours under Section A of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Log of the Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA).
McLean & Company is recognized by SHRM and can award Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.
HR Certification Institute’s® official seal confirms that McLean & Company meets the criteria for pre-approved recertification credit(s) for any of HRCI’s eight credentials, including SPHR® and PHR®.
How to complete this course:
Use these videos, along with the Project Blueprint deck above, to gain an understanding of the subject. Start with the Introduction, then move through each of the Course Modules. At the end of each Module, you will be required to complete a short test to demonstrate your understanding. You will complete this course when you have completed all of the course tests.
- Number of Course Modules: 4
- Estimated Completion Time: 1.5 hours
Learning Outcome
Learners will be able to identify the three keys to building an effective recognition program and how they impact the design and rollout of a recognition program.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Identify the three keys to recognition.
- Navigate the decision points in designing a formal or day-to-day recognition program.
- Design a rollout plan that sustains the program past launch.
Course Modules
Introduction
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Workshop: Ingrain and Sustain Recognition
Workshops offer an easy way to accelerate your project. If you are unable to do the project yourself, and a Guided Implementation isn't enough, we offer low-cost onsite delivery of our project workshops. We take you through every phase of your project and ensure that you have a roadmap in place to complete your project successfully.
Module 1: Gather Feedback on Recognition
The Purpose
- Make the case for a sustainable recognition program.
- Gather feedback from employees on what they would like to see from a recognition program.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Use McLean & Company’s process to build a recognition program.
- Uncover employee needs and wants for recognition.
Activities
Outputs
Conduct focus groups.
- Focus Group Guide
- Focus group trends and insights
Module 2: Design a Customized Recognition Program
The Purpose
- Build a recognition program aligned with organizational strategy and culture.
- Design recognition initiatives that target key behaviors.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Identify behaviors to be recognized.
- Establish program structure and selection criteria.
- Select appropriate types of recognition.
- Document a communication plan.
Activities
Outputs
Develop insights from focus groups and/or survey results.
- Insights gathered
Select recognition criteria.
- Recognition criteria selected
Define the structure of the program.
- Program structure designed
Design the formal recognition process (optional).
Design the day-to-day recognition process.
- Recognition Program Guide
Build a rollout and action plan.
- HR Action & Communication Plan
Develop a sustainment plan.
About McLean & Company
McLean & Company is an HR research and advisory firm providing practical solutions to human resources challenges via executable research, tools, diagnostics, and advisory services that have a clear and measurable impact on your business.
What Is a Blueprint?
A blueprint is designed to be a roadmap, containing a methodology and the tools and templates you need to solve your HR problems.
Each blueprint can be accompanied by a Guided Implementation that provides you access to our world-class analysts to help you get through the project.
Need Extra Help?
Speak With An Analyst
Get the help you need in this 3-phase advisory process. You'll receive 10 touchpoints with our researchers, all included in your membership.
Guided Implementation #1 - Assess current recognition landscape
- Call #1 - Discuss formal and day-to-day recognition, the three keys to recognition, key data sources, and customization of the Employee Recognition Survey Questions.
- Call #2 - Review results of the Employee Recognition Survey Questions and identify themes to discuss in focus groups.
- Call #3 - Identify key criteria based on organizational objectives.
Guided Implementation #2 - Design the recognition program
- Call #1 - Discuss methods of calculating the recognition budget, select method, and identify if the program will consist of both formal and day-to-day recognition initiatives.
- Call #2 - Review formal recognition initiatives.
- Call #3 - Identify day-to-day recognition initiatives.
- Call #4 - Discuss relevant recognition technology.
Guided Implementation #3 - Implement the recognition program
- Call #1 - Identify key metrics that will be used to measure the impact of recognition. Discuss the HR Action and Communication Plan.
- Call #2 - Review completed HR Action and Communication Plan and discuss manager training.
- Call #3 - Discuss tactics to ingrain and sustain recognition.
Contributors
- Cherie Smith, Enterprise Engagement Manager, CalPERS
- Chester Elton, Apostle of Appreciation, Founder, Author, Speaker, The Culture Works
- Fady Makar, Employee Recognition & Engagement Manager, University of Toronto
- Ilia Maor, Senior Director, Info-Tech Research Group
- Joel de los Santos, Compensation Expert, Bayer
- Kevin Cronin, Director, Corporate Event Awards, O.C. Tanner
- Kristin Claudy, Manager, Leadership and Engagement, CalPERS
- Mark Nagy, former Director, Recognition Programs, RBC
- Michelle Preston, HR Director, Kira Systems
- Peter Hart, President & CEO, Rideau Recognition Systems
- Scott Russell, Director - Client Services, C.A. Short Company
- Tina Gunn Weede, President & CE, Peerless Performance
- Voke Ararile, Talent Acquisition Manager, Auto Capital Canada Inc.
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