Ditching the paper hearts: It's time for your employee recognition program to grow up

3 min read

As a kid, there was nothing more exciting than getting a Pixy Stix that rips open, tastes like raw citric acid, and seals itself up half-way through eating it. As an adult, I watch confused while my kids poured the pixy dust into their mouths. Now, a box of dark chocolate truffles? That’s MY love language. As we age our preferences age with us, even as we celebrate Valentine's Day in the workplace. 

As a kid, Valentine’s Day involved handmade mailboxes, lollipops, and cards for every classmate and teacher. Remember these?

As an adult, while handmade gifts are still charming, the sophistication of what most of us does increases. So for instance, if my child brings home a “paper hug” for me – it is a treasure that I am thrilled to get. It takes effort and concentration for a child to make this project! If my husband threw this together for me – I would be less charmed. And if I made this for him? Likely the same reaction.

As adults we can get more sophisticated and creative about how we celebrate Valentine’s Day. We have the ability as adults to give gifts that are catered to what the giver or the receiver of the gift likes – rather than just what we are capable of spelling with a crayon. 

How we show our love becomes more nuanced and sophisticated as we age. Bring on the dark chocolate, instead!

The same logic should apply to recognition. 

When we are toddlers our parents, teachers, aunties, etc. drill us with reminders, “What do you say?!?” And responding with “Thank you!” becomes automatic. 

While a simple “Thank you” is a lovely quick way to send the message, there are equally simple ways to add a bit more thought to ensure your recognition is fully appreciated – even by employees who are stressed or overwhelmed by making the recognition strategic. What are some easy ways to break through the day-to-day routine and ensure that appreciation is really felt?

1. Do something small but unexpected: Say thank you in a handwritten card or leave some candy on their desk. This idea is the most like what happens in school, but you can differentiate it by customizing it to the person. If they love movies, get them a ticket. If they love M&Ms, leave them a bag.
   
   
2. Kick-off a team meeting with the story: If the action was impactful, share the story publicly to let the person know it is bigger than just them. Sharing stories in this way also helps communicate project updates and focuses your team on what is working, rather than just what is “broken.”
   
   
3. Use “AVI” to tell the story: When you share the story, whether that's in person or through a digital channel like a peer-to-peer recognition program, say more than, “Thanks.” Tell the Action, select the company focus or Value it supports, explain the Impact of the actions. Giving these important attributes of the story will get people’s attention, even those that normally tune out during recognition.

So this Valentine’s Day, go beyond the paper hearts and cookie-cutter messages. Make it the day you expand your appreciation for others in a significant way, both in and out of work.