29 March, 2022

The Importance of Peer Recognition

Peer recognition, also referred to as peer-to-peer recognition is when employees publicly recognize each other’s contributions, achievements, skills or talent. This type of recognition deserves distinctive attention as it eradicates the employer-employee power dynamic and facilitates a free-flow of appreciation among colleagues. A peer has first-hand experience of the job, they know its challenges and understand the responsibilities that come with it. Hence, a compliment from a colleague is accompanied by a more valuable and rewarding perception which, in turn, uplifts people’s happiness at work and, by extension, their engagement.

Limitations of a Top-Down Approach to Recognition

Organizations conventionally rely on recognition to flow downwards, entrusting leaders with the responsibility to acknowledge their team members’ contribution and appreciate it. But when managers are the only ones doling out appreciation, certain key aspects tend to go unnoticed. This is largely because managers are accountable for a multitude of tasks, ranging from problem resolution to overseeing multiple workflows, which often leaves out little or no time for employee development.

This is where peer recognition comes into play. Apart from duly professed appreciation, it also sets a positive tone for company culture and most importantly strengthens the bonding and collaboration between teams and colleagues. We have jotted down a few fundamental characteristics that emphasize the importance of peer recognition and how these can be leveraged using a digital employee recognition program.

1. Timely

Recognition in the moment is exceptionally powerful as it shows that people are attentive and actively interested in your achievements, regardless of magnitude. A fixed schedule for recognition is never impactful enough as it loses authenticity and value, making it a purely transactional favor. Thus, your employees, in line with your senior management, need to make it a priority to share appreciation, especially in real-time.

A digital R&R platform can foster a culture of peer appreciation through gentle reminders and notifications to profess appreciation where it’s due, as well as make it convenient to recognize via an easy-to-use web portal and mobile application.

2. Specific

A note that says, “Great work on the presentation!” will definitely light up your peers’ day, but a personalized note that says, “Your out-of-the-box ideas in today’s presentation were truly inspiring, we owe this win to you. Thanks for helping out!” can go a long way in administering a lasting positive effect on an employee. According to Gartner, peer feedback can enhance performance by as much as 14%.

Personalization in recognition and rewards gives an extra edge to appreciation, especially among peers as no one understands the specifics of a job well done better than a colleague. A customized R&R framework with an array of personalized e-cards, gift vouchers, physical products, and specific recognition categories available at your employees’ disposal can turn peer recognition into a more meaningful, authentic, and personal affair.

3. Public

Shining a spotlight on your co-worker’s accomplishments turns the recognition moment into a heartfelt and visible experience of gratitude. Also, organizations that practice public recognition see a 40% improvement in retention compared to those that do not. An org-wide employee recognition platform can help publicize recognition via social features that enable sharing of appreciation moments on other org-wide forums and social media platforms. A company-wide newsfeed or announcement that highlights accomplished employees, as well as a leaderboard which showcases top recognition receivers and performers can also be introduced on the portal.

4. Inclusive

Peer recognition is one of the most impactful drivers for diversity and inclusion. An indispensable precursor to peer recognition is the establishment of an inclusive culture where employees develop trust and a sense of belonging. The more you make recognition inclusive and accessible for all, the closer you are to maximizing the ripple effect of appreciation among all strata of your workforce. Empower your employees to recognize one another and offer them the freedom to send customized recognitions anytime, anywhere by adopting a digital R&R software equipped with a robust DI&E strategy.

In Conclusion

Providing a platform for employees to thank each other for their contribution is a great way to encourage a warm, healthy, and team-spirited company culture. By implementing an effective peer recognition program, you can spread gratitude throughout the organization and cultivate an ethos where appreciation, motivation, and happiness thrives. To paraphrase Bob Nelson, “People may take a job for more money, but they often leave it for more recognition.”

Many companies around the globe are now realizing the importance of adopting an official org-wide channel for peers to recognize one another and are finding ways to weave it into the fabric of their organizations. Get in touch to know how Gratifi’s digital R&R platform can build and foster a culture of peer recognition within your company!