How Recognition and Feedback Shape Work Culture

Hello,

Welcome to July’s edition of Your Workplace Culture Guide! The second half of the year is the perfect time to reflect on our work practices and make improvements. Last month, we explored how to drive and maintain culture in a remote environment. 

This month, we focus on two key elements of a thriving workplace - Recognition and Feedback. Whether you are working from the office or working remotely, both elements play a vital role in boosting morale, enhancing engagement, and driving performance.

Imagine this scenario - You have spent weeks working on a project and putting in your best effort. You are excited to present your work to your manager and believe you nailed the presentation. Afterwards, the feedback is fully negative with no recognition for the work you put in.

This can be disheartening. You may start to question your worth, and wonder if you completely missed the mark or if there was more to it. It could result in your productivity decreasing, your confidence plummeting, and becoming withdrawn at work. This leads to feelings of insecurity and being undervalued, and can impact your overall job satisfaction and performance.

Sounds extreme? This is one way things can go when recognition and proper feedback are not prioritised as a culture at work. No one wants to be on a team where their efforts are not recognised or appreciated. 

So how do you prioritise recognition and feedback in your team: 

1. First, you don’t have to go above your budget to recognise your employees (If you can, please do). Simple gestures like “Thank you!,” “Great job!,” or “Well done!” go a long way in acknowledging a person’s efforts and boosting their morale. Personalised notes, emails, tokens, time off  work too. 

2. It’s also okay to recognise them publicly. Doing so encourages and promotes a culture of recognition and feedback. Team meetings and #ShoutOuts on public forums/channels are great methods here. For feedback, try the sandwich method. 

3. While giving feedback especially if it is not positive, use the Sandwich method to deliver the feedback as gently, but firmly, as you can.

Incorporating recognition and feedback as a culture in your team has numerous benefits. According to Nectar, 83.6% of employees feel that recognition improves their motivation, engagement and connection to work.

Some added benefits of recognition and feedback include: 

• Increased productivity, as people work harder when they are valued. 

• Improved accountability, as everyone in your team will be aware of what quality looks like.   

• Improved capabilities, as people get instant feedback all year round. 

Remember that culture is a personality and building it requires practice and intentionality.

As always, here are our job openings in July.

Until August, happy cultur-ing.

Hikmah 😎😎

with

Your workplace Culture Guide