When you think of recognition, what comes to mind first? An award, incentive, gift card, thank-you, etc? These terms relate to recognition but they do not define it. Find out the truth about recognition!
The term recognition can be defined in many different ways. Some define recognition as getting a reward or celebrating a success at work. Other organizations define recognition as earning an incentive for reaching a goal. All of these terms are related to recognition in some way. However, they do not completely define recognition.
An after-the-fact display of appreciation or acknowledgement of an individual or team’s desired behavior, effort, or business result that supports the organization?s goals and values.
Recognition is more then simply throwing a party, giving an employee a gift, or saying thank you. It is an acknowledgement that intentionally links employee behavior to corporate goals!
A good recognition program includes rewards, awards, incentives, and celebrations. These terms are defined below:
Reward: An item given to an individual or team for meeting a pre-determined goal and is sometimes cash-based.
Award: An item given to an individual or team to commemorate a specified achievement that is typically non-cash.
Incentive: A contingent reward based on achievement of pre-determined performance results within a specific time period.
Celebration: A planned or spontaneous event in recognition of individual or team achievement.
Test Your Knowledge
Below are examples of these key recognition terms. Match the term on the left with its description on the right.
____Reward
A. Jim is retiring after 25 years of service. Jim’s workgroup has planned a luncheon in his honor for next Thursday.
____Celebration
B. The sales department has been split into three teams. One of the teams has just been recognized for reaching their third quarter goal six weeks ahead of schedule. Each member of the team received a $100 American Express gift card.
____Recognition
C. Janet in Human Resources is looking for an item to symbolize the CEO’s dedication and persistence. The CEO just completed a successful merger which has positioned the company as a market leader in their industry.
____Incentive
D. Twelve months ago the CEO identified safety as a major focus area of the company. A safety committee was formed to reduce the number of accidents by 8%. The number of accidents has decreased by 10% over the last year. To celebrate this milestone the CEO has planned a special company-wide lunch to recognize the safety committee for their hard work.
____Award
E. Michael is a new hire in the customer service department. When he is able to process 20 calls each hour, he will be eligible to win a sweatshirt with the company logo.
How did you do? Check your answers below.
Reward: B; Celebration: A; Recognition: D; Incentive: E; Award: C
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