Employee recognition is about identifying and rewarding workers for their contributions, achievements, improvements, and work ethics. By recognizing and appreciating employees, businesses can motivate their teams better and reduce employee turnover.
Therefore, employee recognition benefits both the workforce and the employer. Canada has been leading the way in employee recognition, which has helped many Canadian businesses to empower their workers to become more productive, efficient, and loyal.
It’s crucial to acknowledge the significant advantages that can be gained from recognizing employees.
According to a survey by Achievers Workforce Institute, which is headquartered in Toronto, 57% of workers stated that feeling recognized in their current roles reduces the likelihood of them leaving their companies to pursue other opportunities.
The survey also found that 64% of employees would prefer to receive more meaningful recognition rather than more frequent recognition.
Employee Recognition Is Inbuilt into Canadian Businesses’ Ethos
In general, the management style in Canada embraces a collaborative leadership approach. Managers ensure they adopt a participative approach in which employees are welcomed in decision-making processes. In turn, that means Canadian companies are able to make their successes into shared success stories among both managers and the workforce.
Many non-Canadians who first work for Canadian companies are surprised at just how collaborative, inclusive, and transparent management styles are in the country.
In meetings, employees are expected to speak up and offer ideas, and managers are always appreciative of workers who actively participate and contribute new ideas.
Therefore, employee recognition is at the heart of many Canadian companies, without even having to introduce formal employee recognition programs.
Canadians understand that employee recognition is about continually involving workers in decision-making processes and listening to employee feedback.
And when employees feel as though they are contributing more to the directions that their companies take, those workers become more productive, efficient, and loyal.
Canadians Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day
As in the USA, Canada celebrates a national Employee Appreciation Day. Many other countries do not have specific days for appreciating employees. But having a national day to recognize employee contributions undoubtedly helps to foster a culture of recognition in the workplace.
On the first Friday of every March, employers throughout Canada celebrate Employee Appreciation Day, which was first established in 1995.
The day gives employers the chance to thank their workers for their hard work throughout the previous year by handing out awards and treating members of staff by doing things like treating teams to lunches and engaging in office parties.
Ways in Which Canadian Employers Recognize Employees
Awards for recognition are just one way in which Canadian employers, and companies around the world, can show recognition for their employees’ hard work. You can even look for inspiration for award names for having more fun with your employees.
In addition to handing out colorful awards at ceremonies in the office, treating employees with things like lunches, and holding office parties, there are numerous ways that Canadian businesses recognize their workers.
For instance, most Canadian managers remember to say “thank you” and “well done” to employees who perform well and complete tasks.
By recognizing their employees daily, managers can foster a company culture where employee recognition is a top priority. In turn, that means it is easier to build productivity, efficiency, and loyalty among employees and keep them happy and motivated.
Other ways in which Canadian employers recognize their employees, and which are approaches that businesses in other countries should adopt, include providing bonuses, writing notes of thanks, and encouraging peer-to-peer recognition.
The Takeaway
Wherever your company may be based, if you do not currently recognize your employees for their hard work and you do not have an official employee recognition program, it is high time you did.
By recognizing your workers, you ensure your employees are happier in their work. In turn, that will enable them to be loyal to your company, which will reduce your need for onboarding and training and enable you to retain your top talent.
Happier employees will be more productive and efficient as well as loyal. So, that means your company can become more profitable. Your company will also gain a good reputation, which can help it to attract the best employees and forge strong relationships with clients.
So, take a (maple) leaf out of Canada’s book. Introduce an employee recognition program that will benefit your employees and your company.
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