PPB September 2021

their manager nor any other leader discussed job satisfaction or their future with the organization. As companies reevaluate how to keep their best workers, effective employee recognition is crucial. According to a survey by Great Place To Work-certified company O.C. Tanner, respondents said that personal recognition would most likely encourage them to produce better work more often. Employee recognition boosts morale, increases productivity and fosters positive relationships, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Praising employees’ accomplishments encourages quality performance, benefiting both the employee and the organization. Despite these facts, 65 percent of employees haven’t received any form of recognition for their good work in the past year. Over 91 percent of HR professionals believe that recognition and rewards make employees more likely to stay, and they’re right. A recognized employee is 63 percent more likely to stay at his or her current job within the next three to six months, according to SHRM. For businesses looking to reconnect with employees after a strenuous year, distributors are essential. According to the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF), with travel and experiential incentives unavailable during the pandemic, merchandise and gift cards increased, reemphasizing individual awards. Merchandise was used in 68 percent of incentive programs. The IRF’s "Rewards Preferences" study reported that “a significant merchandise gift” was ranked in both the top five employee preferences and the top five motivators. The average value of a merchandise reward is $160, and 32 percent of companies reported their average merchandise value to be $200 and higher. In a survey done by consulting firm Achievers, lack of recognition and engagement contributed to most (44 percent) employee job changes. As workers recraft the work environment, the most effective employee retention strategy will always be recognizing excellent results and behavior. Even the happiest of employees are looking for something new. “ANewMindset atWork: The EvolvingWorkplace in 2021,” a study conducted by global integrated communications agency ZenoGroup, found that 48 percent of satisfied employees report being open tonewopportunities, with many actively searching. www. w a r w i c k p u b l i s h i n g . c om As low as $.68 (C)  Full Color  Tuck or Pillow Boxes  Stock or Custom | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 47 GROW