'YOU LIKE ME! YOU REALLY LIKE ME!'

MENLO PARK, CA -- The Academy Awards honor Hollywood’s elite, but those walking the red carpet aren’t the only ones receiving kudos for a job well done.  A new survey suggests there’s no lack of praise around the office, too.  More than three-quarters (76 percent) of employees surveyed said their companies’ efforts to recognize employee achievements are at least somewhat effective.  Thirty-five percent believe their companies are very effective at acknowledging staff contributions.

The survey was developed by The Creative Group, a specialized staffing service that provides marketing, advertising, creative and web professionals on a project basis.  It was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 972 men and women 18 years of age or older and employed in professional environments.

Those surveyed were asked, “How effective is your company at recognizing employee achievements?”  Their responses:

Very effective		35%
Somewhat effective		41%
Not very effective		16%
Not at all effective		6%
Don't know/other		2%
		100%

“Most businesses realize that it takes more than a steady paycheck to inspire outstanding employee performance,” said Tracey Fuller, executive director of The Creative Group.  “Staff members who know their contributions make a difference -- and are rewarded -- are more engaged and, ultimately, more productive on the job.”

Fuller noted that while many professionals rated their company’s recognition programs highly, one in five signaled their firms could use improvement in this area.  “Organizations that fail to adequately acknowledge staff achievements could see rising turnover as the economy picks up and more job opportunities become available,” she said.

Fuller offered the following tips for recognizing employee efforts:

• Break the chain.  Seasoned executives often require less encouragement than other workers and, as a result, may receive infrequent praise from their superiors.  If you’re a manager, don’t pass this behavior along.  By regularly recognizing the efforts of individuals at all levels, you show appreciation and encourage your team to do the same.
• Make a sincere effort.  Praise needs to be genuine to be effective.  Be thoughtful in your compliments or they will lose their meaning.
• Think outside the bucks.  While money is a powerful motivator, it’s not the only way to acknowledge extra effort.  More affordable options include sending a hand-written thank-you note, mentioning a star performer in a company newsletter or staff meeting, or giving the employee an afternoon off.
• Reward the right behavior.  Make sure formal rewards programs are tied to actions that are most important to the business, such as solving problems or providing superior customer service.  

The Creative Group has offices in major markets across the United States and in Canada, and offers online job search services at www.creativegroup.com.