By Catherine Jones bio
Happy Administrative Professionals Week (April 24-30). It’s that time of year when many members of the office support team will receive special acknowledgment for their contributions. But opinions are divided between employers and their staff on what constitutes effective employee recognition, says an OfficeTeam survey.
Nearly nine in 10 (89 percent) senior managers said their organization is good at showing appreciation to workers. However, three in 10 (30 percent) employees gave their firms low marks when it comes to shining a light on their achievements.
Managers and workers were asked, “How effective do you think your company is at recognizing employees for good performance?” Their responses:
| Managers | Workers | |
| Very effective | 33% | 27% |
| Somewhat effective | 56% | 43% |
| Not too effective | 10% | 20% |
| Not at all effective | 1% | 10% |
| 100% | 100% |
View an infographic with the research results and other findings about employee recognition.
“Acknowledging staff just once or twice a year for their hard work isn’t enough—regularly saying ‘thank you’ or offering small tokens of appreciation can speak volumes,” said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. “Giving kudos for a job well done seems obvious, but when managers are time-strapped, this can be one of the first things that slips.”
Hosking added, “Companies that excel at recognition combine formal programs with everyday gestures of gratitude.”
OfficeTeam offers five tips for managers when recognizing staff:
1. Say thanks. Regularly acknowledge employees’ great work verbally. Point out how their efforts will help the company or assist clients and customers.
2. Put it in writing. Prepare a handwritten thank-you note or copy senior executives on an email about a worker’s accomplishment.
3. Publicize achievements. Feature standout employees in the company newsletter or recognize them at a staff meeting.
4. Support continuing education. Provide tuition assistance for courses that will help workers in their jobs and subsidize the cost of exams required to attain professional certifications.
5. Give a little. Offer gift cards, movie passes or sporting event tickets to employees who go above and beyond on a project.
| Related reading: | ||
 Five reasons why staff hate their jobs and look for greener pastures |
 Don’t turn your employee awards into an office morale disaster |
 Surveying for rewards |