One thing I have learned in my many years of employee and organizational development is that outstanding employee performance is often the result of managers connecting with and engaging their employees; engaging both their heart as well as their minds. A culture of appreciation starts with buy-in from the top.
A recent survey by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and Globoforce found that connecting recognition to values positively impacted retention for 68% of the respondents. To put it simply, company values define culture, and a company’s culture determines how employees act. Unfortunately, research has found that only half of the U.S. workforce feel that they are valued by their employer. The widespread lack of recognition when it is needed most is inexcusable, mostly because what motivates people takes very little time, money, or effort.
Demonstrate to employees how their jobs fulfill their own needs, interests, and personal goals; and most importantly, how their jobs connect with your organizational values. Keep in mind, the level of employee loyalty will never exceed the level of customer loyalty!