Definition

Eight subcategories of employee recognition

How can employee recognition be expressed?


The four forms of recognition identified above can be divided into eight subcategories. A definition of these subcategories will show how they contribute to each form of employee recognition. The subcategories are formal recognition, informal recognition, public recognition, private recognition, monetary recognition, non-monetary recognition, individual recognition, and collective recognition.

Formal recognition :

  1. It is official.
  2. It arises from standards, rules, and values that support work organization within the company.
  3. It should be perceived as a set of structured and planned activities.

EXAMPLES
  • Employee assistances program.
  • Attendance at a symposium.
  • Training opportunities.
  • Flexible scheduling of work hours.

Informal recognition :

  1. It is an everyday activity.
  2. It is spontaneous.

EXAMPLES
  • Setting aside time for social activities.
  • Sharing knowledge with peers.
  • Greeting coworkers and thanking them for their work.
  • Spontaneous social meeting (e.g., lunch at a restaurant, group break).

Public recognition :

  1. It ensures visibility for outstanding work.
  2. It transmits and makes know employee practices that the company finds interesting, significant, and innvative.

 

EXEMPLES
  • Honor roll of successes.
  • Ceremony to recognize work on a project.
  • Posting team successeson the intranet.
  • Public thanks for work on a specific project.

Private recognition :

  1. It is directed mainly toward an individual or group of employees in a targeted interaction within a limited relationship.
  2. It is more personalized in nature.

EXAMPLES
  • Personalized letter recognizing an employee's contribution to achieving an objective.
  • Support during a difficult event.
  • Birthday card for a coworker.
  • Email praising an employee's dedication to a special project.

Monetary recognition :

  1. It consists of a financial or economic benefit provided to reward performance or a specific and often outstanding achievement.

EXAMPLES
  • Performance bonus.
  • Additional day off to congratulate an employee for a professional achievement.
  • Incentive bonus.
  • Invitation to eat out following completion of a project.

Non-monetary recognition :

  1. It is intangible, psychological, and relational in nature.
  2. It consists of positive or constructive feedback.

EXAMPLES
  • Verbal thanks for completing a project.
  • Email praising a work team's creativity.
  • Assignment of special projects to a dedicated worker.
  • Note in the company newsletter recognizing a work team's accomplishments.

Individual recognition :

  1. It is essentially directed toward one person in particular.

EXAMPLES
  • Personalized letter of congratulations following completion of a project.
  • Applause to express appreciation for an employee's work.
  • Consideration of work load and level of difficulty in evaluating individual results.
  • Recommendation letter for an employee wishing to change departments.

Collective recognition :

  1. It is directed toward work groups of varying sizes.

EXAMPLES
  • Posting notes from customers in praise of customer service.
  • Ceremony to recognize teamwork.
  • Consulting employees before making a decision.
  • Organization of social activities for employees after an intesive work period.

 


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