Related: Employee Recognition for a Multigenerational Workforce
Increased Accessibility
Using technology, in particular recognition software, makes recognition more accessible to employees. The rise of recognition apps on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets also give employees themselves opportunities to recognize and praise one another “peer-to-peer” more often and more easily. One example of recognition software is iiAppreciatei, a free and popular mobile app for iPhone, Android and Blackberry put out by OC Tanner—a leader in the rewards and recognition industry. Using iiAppreciatei, employers can recognize employee milestones, show appreciation for jobs well done and reward results, all on a social media platform. In addition, employees can recognize and show appreciation for one another directly and socially on Facebook and Twitter.
Increased Flexibility and Frequency
Technology-based recognition gives organizations flexibility, enabling them to tailor their appreciation programs to best fit the needs of various departments. The net result of this flexibility is better and more frequent recognition. Studies have shown that companies that effectively leverage technology to recognize employees more often tend to be more productive and profitable.
Related: Get help managing top talent from a PEO.
Increased Relevance
The number of employees in the workforce who use technology routinely in their lives is growing dramatically. When these employees see that their companies are using these familiar technologies to recognize and reward themselves and their peers, it helps to establish a stronger connection between employees and management—which makes any shows of appreciation that much more relatable and relevant. In turn, employees who can use this same technology to recognize one another have ways to effectively express different levels of appreciation that are not available to them via offline practices.
Increased Clarity
Another advantage of technology is allowing companies to deliver recognition more frequently is that it helps employees get a clearer picture of the kinds of positive behaviours that are being rewarded. This increased recognition of good behaviours tends to instil within employees the desire to embrace these same behaviours in the performance of their jobs, resulting in increased employee efficiency and productivity.
Increased Manageability
HR professionals will see numerous benefits of using recognition technology. Among these are ease of implementation and increased manageability. In addition, software-directed appreciation makes it much easier to track recognition events and to get a better picture of just how effective the overall program is in acknowledging employees in meaningful ways that motivate and inspire them to reach higher levels of performance. This, in turn, brings greater job satisfaction.
Related: 3 Budget-Friendly Ways to Recognize Employees
Organizations that learn to effectively leverage recognition technology, along with proven non-software practices – such as the in-person handshake and “thank you” – stand to gain a clear competitive advantage in hiring and retaining top performers who, by virtue of being shown fair and honest recognition, are instilled with a greater sense of community, loyalty and pride in a job well done.