Whenever a manager at any of my previous jobs recognized that I was
doing good work or gave me good or constructive feedback on something I had worked hard on it
made me feel really good. But I do not think that this happens often enough in
workplaces. This article talks about some strategies for recognizing employees hard work.
One of the main points made is that human resources cannot be the main component in recognizing employees. They do not have enough regular contact with the employee. The manager needs to recognize and give the recognition to the employee. Human resources can figure out what is working with employees and give this knowledge to the managers. If the company has a specific program that they use for recognizing employees for great work, then make sure management is trained in this. I think employee moral would definitely improve if they got consistent and genuine feedback from their management and work may improve also.
I love to get good and even constructive feedback on my performance at my job. I feel if they don't say anything at all they don't even realize I am working, I am sure they would get on me if they thought that I was not working, however it makes me feel like they don't see the work I am putting in. Even if it is constructive feedback at least I feel like they know I am there. But when I get good feedback it is motivating to me and I want to keep up the good work. If I feel I am doing a great job at work and they say nothing to me at all, it can put me in a bad mood, making me feel like I am underappreciated and my work is just menial, even a 'great job' or a simple 'thanks' could completely change my mind set for that day or even several days of work, making me more likely to continue to work hard.
So I very much agree with you that consistent and genuine feedback whether it is positive or constructive can increase employee morale and even improve the quality of work from the employees. I am a prime example of it myself.
I absolutely agree with this article! I have worked at places where I am unsure if the manager would really know my name if they didn't have to put it on their tax forms. it makes you feel so useless. However, now I have two jobs. At both jobs my manager greets me when I enter and says thank you and goodbye to me when I leave, everyday. They know about my life and it makes it a lot easier to talk to them about any problems that may be going on. I am not afraid to ask a question, which means that I will learn more things and become a more self-sufficient employee. I always feel like the days drag on when I'm unhappy with my place of business. When you feel as though you are unwanted at a job it makes if very difficult to better the business, instead I found myself just going through the motions. Which made me a very average employee. However, when i am frequently complimented and engaged in conversation with my managers I feel as though I desire to excel in my job.
Great article!