PPB September 2021

Even the happiest of employees are looking for something new. “A New Mindset at Work: The Evolving Workplace in 2021,” a study conducted by global integrated communications agency Zeno Group, found that 48 percent of satisfied employees report being open to new opportunities, with many actively searching. Burnout is a key contributor to voluntary turnover, according to the Journal of Vocational Behavior . While the pandemic increased feelings of fatigue, stress and distraction among workers, consumers in general had the opportunity to reduce expenses and save money. A high rate of employee burnout combined with enhanced financial security has led to, what one NBC writer calls, the “Great Resignation.” While not all employee turnover is bad, research from the Journal of Applied Psychology found that the employees who are most able and likely to quit during times of change are the highest performers. For companies, losing their top employees means losing reliable leaders, consistent innovators and talented problem solvers. One Gallup writer says, “When it comes to rare talent, ‘voluntary turnover’ is simply a nice way of saying, ‘You just lost the future.’” Thankfully, regrettable turnover is solvable. Fifty-two percent of exiting employees who left voluntarily say their manager or organization could have done something to prevent them from leaving their job, but managers aren’t creating the space to solve these problems. Over half of exiting employees (51 percent) say that in the three months before they left, neither FromThe Heart Employee recognition is essential to employee happiness and the overall success of a business. Something as simple as a high- quality pen can boost morale, increase productivity and build positive relationships in the workspace. According to a Gallup poll, companies that executed a formal, well-planned-out employee engagement program reported a 64-percent increase in employee engagement than those without one. Employees want to be rewarded for their good work (38 percent) and spontaneously (47 percent), according to research firm Xexec. The employee survey also found that 65 percent of employees prefer non- cash incentives, strongly agreeing that both merchandise and travel awards are remembered longer than cash payments. According to distributor Delta Marketing Group, these five premium promotional products are the most rewarding gifts of 2021: technology gifts, self-care items, high-quality writing instruments, versatile journals and personalized drinkware. Brand Manager Campbell Davis of supplier HPG Brands says new gear to help end users start traveling again is also a major trend. Although employee recognition programs are different for each company, Great Places To Work suggests considering these five factors to make recognition programs and rewards most meaningful: 1. Remain Relevant. Always explain why the recognition is being given. Recognition connected to a specific achievement or business objective is more meaningful, and highlighting some of the employees’ accomplishments that earned them the recognition can help encourage continued behaviors. 2. Consider Your Timing. Late affirmations lessen the likelihood that a company will be taken seriously by its employees. Giving recognition to employees months after it’s merited isn’t nearly as meaningful as immediate recognition. Take advantage of opportunities when presented. 3. Nix The ‘One- Size-Fits-All’ Mindset. Take the time to understand how everyone would like to be rewarded. Find the expression of gratitude that shows how each reward was uniquely earned and why it is specifically intended for each individual recipient. 4. Be Consistent. Foster a culture of recognition with constant praise from both managers and peers. Thanking employees for daily efforts while recognizing big achievements can motivate continued good work. 5. Remember The Bigger Picture. Regularly connect individual employee goals to the company mission. Employee recognition that shows how contributions add to the success of the company and team are more valued. | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 45 GROW