Tips for Communication and Employee Recognition

As an experienced recruiter in the food manufacturing sector, I've noticed a recurring theme when passive candidates take my call: 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒚𝒆𝒓𝒔' 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔. They often express concerns that their contributions and insights are not fully recognized or valued, impacting their job satisfaction, productivity, and morale. Bridging this gap is crucial for fostering an engaged and motivated workforce. Here are some effective strategies: 1. 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Establish open lines of communication through regular meetings, updates, and feedback sessions. 2. 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Implement programs to recognize and reward hard work and contributions. 3. 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: Include employees in decision-making processes related to their roles or departments. 4. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Invest in training, mentorship programs, and career advancement opportunities.  5. 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Share company performance, challenges, and successes to build trust.  6. 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐌𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐬: Create channels for employees to voice concerns, suggestions, and ideas. If you’re looking to increase your retention rate, companies should create a more cohesive and motivated workforce, driving both individual and organizational success. #communication #recognition #employeeretention #foodmanufacturing #foodandbeverageindustry #talentacquisition Miller Resource Group

"There are two things people want more than sex and money...recognition and praise." Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics 😳 Rather than debate the quote's accuracy, let's agree that recognition matters. It tackles anonymity— one of the biggest de-motivators in the workplace. Here are some fresh ways to show your team members that they matter. Because one can only have so many cliche-covered coffee mugs. ☀️ When introducing a new hire to your team; showcase each team member's special talent or area of expertise (beyond their title). ☀️ No matter what your title or rank, ask your team members for valued input. Park any objections and listen to their ideas. ☀️ Put down your phone and look away from your computer... give someone your full attention. Presence sends a message of worth and respect. ☀️ If applicable, give them a shout-out here on LinkedIn. Highlight a project and tag them for being instrumental in its success. ☀️ Make sure every team member knows why their work matters to the team, why the team's work matters to the organization, and why the organization's work matters to the world. ☀️ Make time to connect with the person you know least on your team. Begin by asking them their favorite part of what they do and what their biggest challenge is. ☀️ Stand up for your team. Show pride for them in front of others. Sing their praises. ☀️ Take someone for coffee and talk about anything other than work. ☀️ Empathize with the team member who is struggling. No false praise. Simply let them know you see the challenges they are navigating. Listen. Provide support. ☀️ Weave recognition into weekly meetings. Ask team members to share a recent win and praise them for it, or encourage them to acknowledge their co-workers. (Recognition is not only top-down on high-performing teams.) ☀️ Ask your boss or your boss's boss or the CEO to write a note to someone who deserves recognition. ☀️ Encourage professional development by letting a teammate choose an online class from LinkedIn Learning or another worthy platform. Alternatively, send them to a special conference they are interested in. Upon course completion invite them to teach the highlights to the team. ☀️ Similarly, when sending someone to training, tell them why. Too often folks come to my classes confused, not enthused, not knowing why they are there. Acknowledge the challenge of being away from their work while they attend a class. Make sure they have ample backup so they can focus on the training. ☀️ Invite an employee along to an important meeting. Give them more visibility to others. ☀️ Let someone know you see their strengths/interests by offering them the lead on a special project. ☀️ Finally, never underestimate the power of a purposefully placed post-it note. Leave one at a co-worker's workspace with words of appreciation or encouragement. When they stumble upon it, it will brighten their day. What tip do you like the best? What would you add?

"No one who ever left a job left because there weren't enough pizza parties." Pizza parties and company swag don't equal employee engagement Employee engagement means your employees: - feel seen - feel heard - feel valued - feel understood And what I think managers often care about - they're willing to give you discretionary effort. But the biggest issues most leaders face? How to recognize employees even without a budget? Here's a list of things that don't really cost that much money (if at all): - Celebrating personal milestones - Showing interest in their well-being - Involving employees in decision-making - Expressing confidence and trust in them - Expressing gratitude in writing and verbally - Guiding them on how to progress in their career - Offering flexibility around work as much as possible - Providing public and private verbal praise and recognition - Providing learning opportunities to learn and develop new skills - Sharing opportunities for advancement and supporting their career aspirations. - Creating a positive and inclusive work environment where employees feel respected, valued, and included, regardless of their pay scale. It's your choice - either you can focus on the lack of resources to give your employees fancy rewards, or you can start doing the daily things that have much more impact than any party or gift. What else would you add to this list? 👇 ------------ I'm Chris and I post about valuable strategies and tips to communicate confidently in difficult situations. Get updates by signing up for my weekly difficult conversations tips! Link in the comments 👇 #supervisors #leaders #managers #empathyatwork #employeeengagement #communicationskills #difficultconversations #nonprofitleadership

Delta's expression of appreciation is remarkable and generous. But only some organizations have the ability to provide such grand monetary gestures. Here are some thoughts on how expressing gratitude and appreciation for employees in non-monetary ways can be just as effective, if not more so, in fostering a positive work environment and boosting morale. Verbal Recognition: Simply saying "thank you" and acknowledging employees' hard work and contributions can make them feel valued. Handwritten Notes: Personalized notes expressing appreciation for specific accomplishments or efforts can be significant. Public Recognition: Recognize employees' achievements during team meetings, company-wide emails, or through shout-outs on internal communication platforms. Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering flexible work hours or remote work options can demonstrate trust and appreciation for employees outside of work commitments. Professional Development Opportunities: Investing in employees' growth through training, workshops, or conferences shows that you value their skills and are committed to long-term success. Workplace Wellness Initiatives: Implement programs or activities promoting physical and mental well-being, such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, or healthy snack options. Extra Time Off: Granting additional vacation days or allowing employees to leave early occasionally as a reward for their hard work. Opportunities for Input: Involving employees in decision-making processes around the work that affects is a huge win. Mentorship Opportunities: Pair employees with mentors within the organization to guide and support their professional development. Celebrating Milestones: Recognize work anniversaries, birthdays, or other significant milestones with small celebrations or gestures of appreciation. Employee Empowerment: Empower employees by delegating responsibilities, giving them autonomy in their work, and demonstrating trust and confidence in their abilities. Creating a Positive Work Environment: Foster a positive workplace culture characterized by open communication, mutual respect, and inclusivity. #positivereinforcement #appreciation #empowerment #thankyou #mentoring Delta Air Lines

Cultivating a culture of gratitude isn't just a seasonal affair—it's a year-round gift that keeps giving. Leaders need to show gratitude in more ways than one to show appreciation for others. Some ideas on how to do this: 1. Daily Doses of Appreciation: Make gratitude a daily practice. Encourage leaders and team members alike to express appreciation for each other's contributions regularly. A simple thank-you note or a shout-out in a team meeting can go a long way in recognizing individual efforts. 2. Personalized Recognition: Go beyond generic acknowledgments. Tailor your expressions of gratitude to highlight each team member's unique strengths and qualities. Personalized recognition resonates more deeply and reinforces a sense of individual value within the team. 3. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge achievements, both significant and minor. Whether hitting a major project milestone or simply reaching a work anniversary, celebrating accomplishments creates a positive atmosphere. It motivates employees to continue putting forth their best efforts to the organization. 4. Create a Gratitude Board: Establish a visual representation of appreciation with a gratitude board. Encourage team members to post notes expressing gratitude for their colleagues' contributions. Consider a Slack channel where you can shout out to one another, or if you’re in the office, you can create a physical board. 5. Thoughtful Employee Recognition Programs: Implement thoughtful recognition programs that extend beyond traditional awards. Consider initiatives that spotlight teamwork, innovation, or going above and beyond. These programs boost morale, contributes to a collaborative and positive work environment. You can also leverage platforms that allows rewards for performance-based work financially. This might vary by industry, but I assure you it works. 6. Flexibility and Well-Being Initiatives: Show gratitude by recognizing the importance of work-life harmony. Implement flexible work arrangements or well-being initiatives prioritizing employees' mental and physical health. Demonstrating concern for their overall well-being enhances morale and fosters a sense of loyalty. 7. Open Channels for Feedback: Gratitude isn't just about top-down acknowledgment. Create open channels for feedback where team members can express appreciation for each other. This two-way street of gratitude contributes to a culture of mutual respect and support. 8. Professional Development Opportunities: Invest in your team's growth as a token of appreciation. Offer professional development opportunities, training programs, or mentorship initiatives that empower employees to enhance their skills and advance their careers. What are some things that you or your company do to recognize team members? . . . . #gratitude #beingthankful #beinggrateful #boostingemployeemorale #leadership #leadinglikeaPRO #connectinglikeaPRO # leadinglikeaPRO

"If you haven't said it, don't expect your people to know it. Communicating is much easier than mind reading." .....Natalie Hochstetter How you communicate is as important as what you communicate. A lack of commitment in your voice or the wrong non-verbal cues can create barriers in your communication that disrupt your messaging. Effective communication is central to our success, as individuals or within our organizations. It's a skill we can hone and refine, and when done well leads to better understanding, improved relationships, and increased productivity. Here are some thoughts on effective communication: As Individuals: Effective communication begins with active listening. Paying full attention to the speaker and not just hearing the words but understanding context, emotions, and intentions. Clear and concise communication minimizes misunderstandings. Using simple language, avoiding jargon and big words, and getting to your point ensures your message is easy to hear and understand. Always put yourself in the other person's place. Understand their perspective, emotional state, and needs. These insights enable you to tailor your communication to their mindset and frame of reference. Ask for and encourage open and honest feedback. Feedback helps anyone improve their communication skills, identify areas for growth, and continually refine their approach. Your body language, tone, and facial expressions are crucial to your message. Be aware of your habits and the signals you send when in direct dialogue with others. Organizationally: Establish transparent and consistent channels for communicating within your team. Ensure everyone knows how and where to share information, concerns, or feedback. Always have a unified message. Discrepancies lead to confusion and mistrust. All team members should agree on and align communications that involve your organization's mission, vision, values and strategic objectives. Invest in training programs to enhance the communication skills of your entire team. Effective communicators should be nurtured to become skilled at leading others. Be prepared for challenging events and circumstances with a well-defined crisis communication plan. Clarity and transparency during a crisis can help to prevent or minimize any damage to your business' reputation. Use the right level of communication to celebrate successes and create a positive communication culture. These moments inspire your teams and reinforce the value of effective communication. According to Tony Robbins, "To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world, and we must use this understanding as a guide for how we communicate with others.” Stop reading your people's minds. Communicate directly with them if you want the best results. #CEOs #leadership #communication #execution Communicate better by going here https://lnkd.in/gXpc_pyu

As an employee, I've come to realize that feeling valued in the workplace is like sunlight for personal and professional growth 🌱 . It's the fuel that ignites passion and fosters a sense of purpose. But it's equally important to acknowledge how it feels when you don't feel valued. 👎 🌦️ The Weight of Being Undervalued: When an organization overlooks the contributions of its employees, it can feel like a heavy cloud hanging over your enthusiasm and motivation. It's demoralizing and can lead to disengagement. ❤️ The Empowerment of Being Valued: On the flip side, being appreciated and valued by your employer has an incredible impact. It boosts self-confidence, inspires creativity, and fuels a desire to go above and beyond. It's like a high five that conveys, "We see you, and your work matters." 🤔 Valuing Employees in Tough Times: Now, more than ever, organizations face economic challenges that can make employee recognition seem like a luxury. However, it's in these times that valuing employees becomes even more crucial. Here's how organizations can do it: 1️⃣ Transparent Communication: Open and honest communication about the challenges the organization faces helps employees understand the bigger picture. 2️⃣ Recognition Beyond Rewards: While financial rewards are important, non-monetary recognition like a heartfelt "thank you" or public acknowledgment can go a long way. 3️⃣ Career Development: Provide opportunities for skill development and growth (not just more workload), even if promotions or pay raises are temporarily on hold. 4️⃣ Employee Well-being: Show concern for the well-being of employees, offering resources and support for mental and physical health. 5️⃣ Employee Involvement: Encourage employees to contribute ideas and solutions to navigate tough times, making them feel part of the solution. 6️⃣ Celebrate Wins: Recognize and celebrate achievements, from all parts of the organization, to maintain a positive atmosphere. Feeling valued isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a cornerstone of a healthy, thriving workplace. When employees are empowered and appreciated, they become resilient, dedicated, and committed to the organization's success, even in tough times. As employees, we play a significant role in fostering a culture of appreciation, and it starts with recognizing and valuing each other's contributions. #EmployeePerspective #ValuingEmployees #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeWellbeing

Unlimited, free cold brew and ping pong tables aren't improving employee engagement. Even as perks, their pull isn't strong. Want to ENGAGE employees and ATTRACT and KEEP them? Focus your efforts here: - Communication: Give your employees a voice, learn from them, and include them in developing project vision and strategy. - Training: Find out where skill gaps exist, create cross-functional trainings to address these areas, and provide a path to career growth and promotion. - Recognition: Celebrate wins, big and small, along the way. Reward effort and achievement, even if it isn't always a home run. Appreciation goes a long way.