The Top 10 Reasons Why Employers Don't Give Recognition to Their Employees

Let us begin by getting a good understanding of what recognition really is.

The Merriam Webster dictionary simply defines recognition as: special notice or attention.

Well that seems pretty straight forward.

"There are two things people want more than sex and money -- recognition and praise." --Mary Kay Ash

Let us examine the top 10 reasons why employers don't give recognition to their employees and offer some recommendations.

"Some Employers do not know how." Recommendation: If you don't know how to do something, learn or find someone to teach you. I'm sure that you would not allow your employees to use this excuse for not getting their work done. I did a quick search on Google and came across a number of companies that specialize in employee recognition programs.
"Some Employers believe they don't have time." Recommendation: Find the time. This is a pretty lame excuse for not offering special notice to employees that deserve it. Perhaps schedule a special time on a weekly or monthly basis to offer this recognition.
"It is believed by some employers that employees don't care about it that much." Recommendation: WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! Ask yourself one question, "Do you like it when someone expresses appreciation for something that you have done?" Of course you do.
"Some Employers don't believe that recognition is part of the job." Recommendation: As an employer, you are responsible for the overall productivity of your company. Let me ask you this question, "What type of environment would you perform better in, one that ignores your efforts or one that rewards your efforts?" I rest my case.
"Some Employers don't believe in rewarding employees for just doing their job." Recommendation: OK, I understand where you are coming from; however, let us take a look at this from a different angle. What if you implemented a recognition program for your employees? Do you thing that the overall productivity level of your employees would increase or decrease?
"Some Employers believe that recognition becomes meaningless if done too much." Recommendation: I believe that a company should have a recognition program that all employees are not only aware of, but eligible to participate. What I mean by this is some companies have a recognition program, but it is only for their sales staff. I am talking about a program that encompasses every possible employee. Now, this program will have a stated frequency that is dictated by you. If you control the frequency, then you probably won't feel that it is being done too much.
"Some Employers believe that they are limited in what kind of recognition they can do." Recommendation: This is totally understandable as well. However, the last time I checked, saying "Thank You" was still free. Gift cards are an awesome and reasonably priced method of recognition.
"Some Employers believe that sometimes recognition is awkward or uncomfortable." Recommendation: Recognition can be done either publicly or privately. Remember, the people receiving the recognition will not necessarily feel awkward or uncomfortable. Start with something that is within your comfort zone and then expand as you get more comfortable. The important thing is to start your recognition program.
"Some Employers believe that employees that get recognition will stop working hard, because they have reached a certain recognition level." Recommendation: If you have children, you know that this belief does not hold any truth. The more you praise a child, the more he/she wants that attention. Remember the old adage: Recognition is what babies cry for and men die for.
"Some Employers don't believe that they should give recognition to employees if they don't get recognition themselves." Recommendation: You need to take your eyes off yourself and put them on others. This is not about you. The more that you focus on other people the more they will grow and perhaps someone will recognize you along the way.

Remember, saying "thank you" is free and a great place to start a recognition program for your employees.

Recognition is important in any size organization. It is amazing how much a little attention and praise goes in today's world. Building relationships is a pillar to good leadership and management.