Are you getting enough?
Recognition that is. Results from the most recent People First Survey (Gallup) have now been shared with all directors and managers throughout VCH. October and November is the time for discussion of the results for your area and action planning for how to make improvements. We’ll be looking at both engagement and safety survey questions in VCH News throughout the year in order to (hopefully) stimulate some discussion, help with understanding and support the action planning process. This article looks at the survey question related to recognition.
Question 4: Recognition
Question number four on the survey asks for your level of agreement with this statement:
In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work.
The score on this question for VCH overall was 2.91 out of 5. Definitely some room for improvement. You can learn the score for your work area by reviewing the survey results that were sent to your manager at the end of September.
Why is recognition important?
Gallup, the polling company that administers the People First Survey for health authorities in BC, has a lot of data on the link between employees feeling recognized and better work outcomes. In one large health care organization a difference of 10 percentage points on the recognition statement represented an average of 11 per cent difference on patient evaluations of their experience.* Because recognition is so important, and because there is so much room for improvement in this area, VCH has made Question 4 an action planning requirement for all departments and programs.
What does good recognition look like?
According to Gallup data, good recognition is that which is honest and based on measurable outcomes. In other words people don’t just want to be told that they’re doing a “good job.” They want to know how their work made a difference. The research shows that most people like to be individually recognized about one a week or so. That might sound like a lot but, again, if the recognition is honest and deserved it’s never too much.
How do we improve recognition?
That part is really up to you. What would work well in your area? Recognition can be peer-to-peer, as well as manager to employee. It can be employees to managers!
- Post a visible thank you with their name on it.
- Feature them in the company newsletter.
- Pick an unusual or funny object and place it in their work area for a week.
- Let them dress casual for a day.
- Arrange for a boss several levels up to stop by to say thanks.
What’s next?
Discuss recognition with your manager and co-workers. See what the score was for Question 4 in the People First Survey results for your area. Make a plan for improving recognition in your area.
*Sources: 12: The Elements of Great Managing; Forbes
Related links:
Quality and safety score high in People First Survey
Element Q4: Recognition summary for managers [PDF]
25 Low-cost ways to reward employees