Why Employers Should Embrace Peer-to-Peer Recognition

Most companies know the importance of employee evaluations. Some employees and bosses dread this yearly process, but no one can deny that the chance to have good work acknowledged is a definite confidence booster. You can maximize the uptick to your staff’s self-esteem by allowing them to recognize each other’s accomplishments on a more regular basis. The following benefits of peer-to-peer recognition play a huge role in creating a positive work environment.

It’s Easy

Coworker appreciation doesn’t have to be a huge hassle. No matter what your current resources are, it’s simple to implement any number of peer-to-peer recognition ideas:

• Encourage staff to share praise they’ve received on social media.
• Have employees pass a mascot or trophy onto a coworker who did a good job.
• Use a company-wide platform where staff can post positive words about others.
• Allow employees to award each other points as part of your internal rewards program so they can redeem for merchandise of their choosing.

The key is to ensure that these are made public, whether in an online forum or in front of the whole office. This not only boosts morale and makes people feel appreciated, but the recognition then becomes a social effort.

If you need assistance developing your programs or the rewards employees receive you can always bring in a specialized team whose focus is implementing employee recognition programs. You’ll have all the expertise you need without devoting any extra time.

It Builds Camaraderie

We spend more time with our co-workers than we do with our families. So, it’s important that we build healthy working relationships with one another and build a sense of community. Peer-to-peer recognition helps to build a mutual appreciation and respect among team members. This stimulates teamwork and boosts the performance of the individual employees and the team as a whole.

It Decreases Turnover

Peer-to-peer recognition is one way you can get employees to stay long-term. Losing a good employee is a huge blow. Not only have you lost the person’s valuable contributions, but you now have to spend time and money on finding his or her replacement. While there are many reasons an employee may choose to leave, it’s not uncommon for someone to quit a job because they feel their work is unappreciated.

Fostering a team that thrives on each other’s encouragement creates the best company culture. Your employees will frequently see the value they bring to the table. This is often enough to keep good employees committed to your company’s mission.

It Increases Productivity

One of the greatest benefits of peer-to-peer recognition is its immediate effect on productivity. Imagine an employee who is completely confident in their work versus someone who goes through each day having no idea if what they’re doing is right or wrong. Employees with high self-esteem will tackle projects with more vigor, resulting in a thorough and effective job.

Embracing a reward model encourages consistent performance. When a job-well-done is recognized, there’s a greater desire for the employee to repeat the behavior.

It Builds a Better Functioning Team

On top of productivity going up for individuals, the team as a whole will operate more efficiently. A group works best when each member knows his or her role. Roles are often defined by strengths. The more often employees evaluate and recognize where their coworkers excel, the easier it becomes to designate roles.

Role delegation is a great tool to create accountability. When everyone knows who is responsible for what, there’s greater motivation to hold up their end of the project. Mutual respect is earned, resulting in a more fluid work dynamic.

It Feels More Genuine

A managerial review is an annual process that is required by the company. Employers are expected to find both strengths and weaknesses and evaluate accomplishments. The obligation behind it can come across as disingenuous to employees. Hearing from a coworker that he or she appreciates your efforts feels more authentic, especially when you know they weren’t required to say it.

Peer-to-peer recognition programs are also usually presented in a fun, casual way. The method being used to express the praise seems friendlier in this context.

It’s Often More Accurate

Managers with a lot on their plate frequently miss the little things about their employees’ work. A boss may see that a project is completed, while missing the uphill battle it took to get it done. Employees who works alongside each other will naturally be informed of the challenges each person has to face. This provides peers many more opportunities to see their coworkers succeeding.

Peer-to-Peer Recognition Is a Game-Changer

Don’t take the feedback of your employees for granted. Many of them have a great deal to say about their peer’s accomplishments. There are tons of peer-to-peer recognition ideas you can implement without disruption to your existing workflow. Encouraging staff to frequently praise each other’s efforts leads to a loyal team who take pride in their work.

Following these tips for peer-to-peer recognition will help keep your employees motivated to work hard every day.