In today’s fast-paced business world, employee recognition has evolved far beyond the traditional ‘Employee of the Month’ announcement on a bulletin board. In today’s tech-driven workplace, rewards and recognition programs are becoming increasingly interactive.
“Vendors and practitioners need to adapt and evolve,” stated Roy Saunderson, an expert in employee recognition.
Technology has played a significant role in driving the changes over the past five years. Here are the five most important digital trends in employee rewards and recognition:
1. Applications and automated programs for immediate identification
Various platforms, including Kudos, iAppreciate, Workstars, Achievers, and many more, keep track of achievements and commemorate milestones using their dedicated mobile applications. Receiving instant feedback allows employees to stay informed about their managers’ appreciation for their efforts in real time.
Slack, the widely-used team collaboration platform, also offers a range of bots that can identify and acknowledge exceptional work within teams. The bots occasionally provide virtual prizes that employees can exchange for real rewards, like a cup of coffee.
2. Utilizing social media to gain recognition within the community
When it comes to a job well done, employees value recognition on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. It’s a win-win situation for employers looking to showcase their workplace culture of recognition to a larger audience, which can help attract top talent.
3. Utilizing tech-based incentives such as fitness trackers
Employers are enhancing employee health and wellness campaigns by offering fitness incentives. Many companies provide employees with fitness trackers and other wearable devices as a way to encourage and support their health goals. Fitness trackers provide employees with valuable personal health data to utilize. Individuals who successfully accomplish their objectives are additionally compensated with monetary rewards or gift cards.
4. Utilizing gamification to incentivize positive actions
Gamification involves implementing goals, rules, and rewards in the workplace, similar to how they are used in sports, board games, and video games. By incorporating some elements of play into the workplace, such as using a digital trivia game or an app-based scavenger hunt, managers can effectively motivate teams and encourage positive behavior.
5. Utilizing digital learning to foster talent development
Employees who demonstrate a proactive approach to enhancing the company’s growth are frequently given chances to further develop their abilities. Participating in top certification programs for free online is increasingly seen as a valuable opportunity for businesses to upskill and reskill their employees for the digital age. Employers have the opportunity to sponsor programs on platforms like Udemy or Coursera, which are led by highly knowledgeable experts in their respective fields. On-demand digital learning allows employees to take advantage of talent development opportunities without any disruption to their regular work schedule.