Three Moments of Recognition

Whether it’s a first kiss, winning a championship, high school graduation, traveling to a foreign country, or getting married, every life comes down to moments. These are the essential points in life we savor in the quiet hours alone or as we reminisce with family and friends. Put simply, moments weave through the complex tapestry of every human journey—both personally and professionally.

Employees need to be appreciated more than ever before—especially with so many workers plying their trade remotely. While recognition has long been a cornerstone of successful organizations, how value is shown to employees is crucial as the competition to attract, retain and engage talent escalates. It’s about purposefully creating employee moments that are both immediate and enduring. While this may seem challenging, consulting with a professional, coupled with the perfect program and product, the following three moments are created:

The Moment of Anticipation: We all know the dopamine and endorphins one feels when anticipating something thrilling. When employees are awaiting the receipt of an award they have worked hard to earn, the feeling is very similar to the delicious excitement one has when reuniting with a long-lost friend—a belly full of glittering monarchs and swallowtails that go aflutter as you walk toward that friend for an overdue embrace. It’s a natural high that cannot be replaced.

The Moment of Appreciation: Few things in life compare to standing—virtually or in person—in front of your peers as you’re recognized for doing something unique at your job. Even though the moment is brief, it’s filled with unabashed joy and pride as an entire organization focuses exclusively on one employee—the same pleasure and satisfaction that will linger for months and years to come.

The Moment of Recollection: The best awards are not only kept, but they are also proudly displayed. Whether perched on a bookshelf or proudly visible on a desk, every time the recognized employee gazes upon the physical award, that joyful feeling will come flowing back. Furthermore, when people ask about the award, that same pride and joy will return as the recipient shares the reason the award was given and the overall experience of the event.

Anticipation. Appreciation. Recollection.

All three moments are captured for a lifetime when successful organizations not only understand the importance of being intentional when it comes to employee recognition, they embrace it. By designing and delivering recognition programs that create employee moments while showing that the company values them and their contributions, management knows they will reap the benefits of enhanced employee performance.