PUBLISHER’S CORNER Simple Recognition, Huge Impact WRITTEN BY TONY CORPIN |
TONY@STNMEDIA.COM A
s I sat in the audience at National Special Needs Team Safety Roadeo banquet at the 2016 TSD Conference, I witnessed an overwhelming sense of raw emotion and
gratitude from the competing school bus drivers who were being recognized. All the participating teams from around the country had outstanding performances and displayed the skills necessary to provide safe transporta- tion for children with special needs. For those winning recipients, that recognition and coveted plaque was something memorable they will have for years to come. Who wouldn’t like that? It’s safe to say recognition has a big impact on any business and its employees. Tat could be as simple as celebrating a staff member’s birthday, work anniversary or bestowing accolades on them for an exceptional job. Even as you read this issue you will find examples, as Tomas Built Buses is recognized for being a great partner to suppliers and dealers as it celebrates a cen- tennial anniversary milestone. (Special congrats from the team at STN Media Group on a Happy 100th Birthday!) So why is recognition so scarce? According to
humanresorces.com, time is an often-stated reason and admittedly, recognition does take time. Employers also start out with all of the best intentions when they seek to recognize employee performance. But, they often find their recognition efforts can turn into employees airing complaints, from voicing dissatisfaction to jealousy. With these experiences, many employers are hesitant
to provide employee recognition. Also, employers some- times can think too narrowly about what people will find rewarding when it comes to recognition. But I do see innovative businesses recognizing em-
ployees in the form of certificates, medals, plaques, par- ties, lunches, even premium parking spaces. One client I know gives its top salesman of the month a choice office space complete with unique comforts and other benefits. In talking with other staff there, I learned it’s considered a coveted privilege and provides motivation for further performance and recognition. I thought it was a really creative way to provide employee recognition, plus I
74 School Transportation News • MAY 2016
wished my office looked that cool. Ultimately, you want to recognize the actions, behav- iors, approaches and accomplishments that you want to foster and reinforce in your organization. Establish employee recognition opportunities that emphasize and reinforce these sought-after qualities and behaviors. Employee recognition is a communication tool that rein- forces and rewards the most important outcomes people create for your organization. Employee recognition is also a key retention solution.
BambooHR recently performed a Workplace Deal Break- ers study that it said shows factors leading to employees quitting their jobs. Lack of recognition was one of those key factors. Without being recognized, and without the positive feelings that come from that recognition, em- ployees will eventually walk right out the door. Engaged employees do great work, are happier because they’re engaged and stick around for a long, long time. Creating goals and action plans for employee recogni- tion is key. If you need to increase attendance through- out your organization, hand out a three-part form during your Monday morning staff meeting. Te written note thanks employees who have perfect attendance that week. Te employee keeps one part, save the second in their personnel file and place the third in a monthly drawing for gift certificates. I know you’re busy. We all are, drowning in email, meetings and reports, and you just have a million other things to do. But employee recognition isn’t a passing company fad that we attempt for one week each year, then promptly forget. It’s not the flavor of the month, either. Take the initiative to recognize others you work with
by sending nice emails, notes, cards and planning team lunches for staff members. Everyone likes to feel appreci- ated, and I’m all for it! ●
Tony Corpin, Publisher
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