People are a company's most valuable asset. It is therefore important to treat every individual with dignity and recognize his or her contribution to the work process. People involved in the work world must keep this principle in mind and try to meet workers' glaring need for recognition. The future of any company depends on the physical and psychological health of its employees.

Employee recognition must be part and parcel of a company's values. This is possible only if recognition plays an integral role in management and work practices, in the messages that management conveys, and in corporate priorities. Recognition must be part of an organizational culture that all organization members identify with. For this to occur, managers, employees, executives, and trade unions must be involved. The successful implementation of recognition practices, it should be noted, depends primarily on the motivation and involvement of all organization members. Recognition requires interaction between people and reciprocal expressions and gestures of appreciation. Efforts must be made every day to bring the project to fruition.

To find out more, go to the sections Tips and advice and Recognition 101.