HOW BOSSES CAN SPARK A CULTURE OF PEER APPRECIATION

Taking the time for peer-to-peer recognition helps shape a positive culture, further strengthening team relationships and motivation. Having a peer recognition platform in place can hugely impact the team and each individual's self-esteem in the workplace.

What is peer recognition?

Peer recognition is the act of employees giving recognition to other employees. It's part of employee recognition as a concept that extends beyond manager recognition or human resources, as it doesn't always have to come from the top down. A peer recognition model can come in all shapes and sizes, but the benefits of peer recognition are felt across the board.

Giving praise on all levels helps make recognition collaborative and meaningful.

Receiving peer recognition enables employees to give each other the boost they need to push projects to the finish line and achieve great work. Ultimately, developing a collaborative approach to recognition means acknowledging each other for things like your peer's skills, efforts, accolades, and strengths. Employee recognition should be a central part of your company values.

But here's the thing, it takes more than a rewards system to motivate employees. Integrating frequent peer recognition practices on your team can positively impact morale and employee engagement. Using a peer recognition program will help tremendously.  As a manager, the first step is to identify where to start. 

The Go Game helps sponsor connection and communication where peer relationships might be lacking. Team building forms stronger bonds, bring out new perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, and of course, how this boosts collaboration and camaraderie back at the office.

With the right planning, activities for the office can liven up company social events, encourage employees to connect on a human level, work better together, and even help resolve the underlying conflict. They have the power to open up communication, nurture relationship-building, and encourage innovative thinking, all of which will give your team’s engagement and performance a boost.

We take great pride in curating a dynamic company culture that is uniquely yours. We understand the crucial role that a strong culture plays in achieving success, which is why we provide professional development opportunities, and maintain open lines of communication. When employees feel supported, respected, and motivated, they have the power to achieve remarkable feats.

What makes peer recognition important?

As a manager, it can feel like the onus is on you when it comes to making sure that your team knows they are valued contributors. Manager recognition is absolutely essential for team engagement and performance. And yet, our data reveals that employees want more recognition.

By encouraging and facilitating a culture of peer recognition, the weight gets distributed, employees feel valued, and strong professional relationships are built. Creating a positive recognition experience doesn't just stem from HR professionals. It's a necessary and valued exchange between peers.

Peer recognition helps boost employee performance and company morale. Not only is recognition a catalyst for peer appreciation, but doing so on a group level develops a strong sense of support and camaraderie.

Keeping this in mind, it's clear that peers play a vital role in employee satisfaction. Consequently, integrating a peer recognition program contributes to positive company culture.

Peer recognition increases employee engagement

Many factors help increase employee engagement, peer-to-peer recognition being one of them. Peer recognition programs play a significant role in job satisfaction and happiness in the workplace. Regular kudos helps increase engagement, which benefits the employee and the entire team.

Harvard Business Review reveals that having an effective peer recognition program makes for happier, more engaged employees and a 14 to 29 percent increase in profits.

Peer recognition develops trust

The more your team is capable of expressing recognition amongst one another, the more they'll learn they can trust each other. When individuals feel they're being recognized for their work, they dilute sensations of competitiveness and replace them with collaboration.

Peer recognition boosts team morale

When teammates know that efforts are being noticed and appreciated: morale increases. Doing so consistently ensures that your team's happiness remains consistent, prompting more productivity and job satisfaction.

Knowing how to make peers happy with simple gestures of appreciation and gratitude develops team spirit. As a result, you nurture resilient employee-to-employee relationships, and co-workers strengthen their bonds! 

Peer recognition increases motivation

When people feel recognized for their work, they feel seen. In turn, it encourages employees to contribute, learn, and develop their skills. Motivation reframes any burden of high objectives – crucial to a successful organization. After all, a high momentum environment keeps its foundation strong.

Peer recognition amplifies strengths

A robust peer recognition program amplifies people's strengths. Giving meaningful peer recognition and genuine compliments prompts employees to reflect on and highlight great work. Building a strengths-based team culture is one that drives employee performance.

Building a culture of positive feedback

Why not make every day co-worker appreciation day? Developing a culture of peer-to-peer recognition is easy, accessible, and fun. Once you implement a successful systems and experiences to unite employees, you'll notice how co-workers strengthen their camaraderie and work relationships, connect more with core values, and show greater support between team members. It can even increase employee morale and boost self-esteem.

In the long run, a peer-to-peer recognition and bonding can be the spark of genius you need for your team to achieve their goals, build team spirit, and have fun in the process. Genuine praise is an essential part of a positive workplace. And when companies focus on creating a great workplace culture, great things happen. 

Reach out today to experience firsthand the incredible impact of a positive company culture. Let’s work together to create a workplace where passion and purpose intersect!