Why HR should encourage peer-to-peer recognition to boost employees’ wellbeing
Most people will likely agree that it feels good to be appreciated. Whether this comes from our family, social circles, employers or even total strangers – we’re positively impacted when our accomplishments are recognised.
In the workplace specifically, recognition can be a powerful means of not only increasing employee performance and retention but also influencing greater mental health and wellbeing. And in times like these, a little kindness really does go a long way.
While it goes without saying that it’s important for leaders to recognise and reward their direct reports, the responsibility for showing appreciation shouldn’t lie solely with managers. That’s where peer-to-peer recognition comes in, whereby employees are empowered to celebrate each other’s successes.
Studies have evidenced that recognition given by colleagues can have an even bigger impact on recipients; plus, when employees show appreciation to one another for going the extra mile, it can consequently revolutionise team collaboration.
We explore 4 key benefits of peer-to-peer recognition and why HR should be making this a core element of its organisation’s wellbeing strategy.
1. It promotes a culture of kindness
Peer-to-peer recognition conducted on a company-wide scale and linked to organisational values can be essential for shaping a positive workplace culture. By making acts of kindness a priority, HR and senior leaders can help to empower employees and encourage them to publicly show appreciation for their teammates. This can be done very simply using online recognition tools or by email, where staff can give ‘shout outs’ and provide kudos to those who have a done an outstanding job or who have gone above and beyond to support a colleague. With recognition messages made visible across the business, not only will other employees be more inclined to jump on board but giving thanks will frequently be celebrated as part of the everyday culture.
2. It can help to strengthen employee bonds
When employee recognition comes from a place of authenticity and with a personal touch it can really help to solidify a sense of community and belonging. Even more so when it’s delivered by a fellow colleague. Whilst many workers may somewhat expect feedback from their line managers as part of their role, peer recognition can be perceived as far more valuable and heartfelt since it isn’t necessarily required of colleagues to dole out gratitude. In this form, recipients can have a heightened sense of having done meaningful work which in turn can increase team spirit and a desire to pool their ideas with others, making for a more connected workforce in the long-term.
3. It increases happiness and lowers stress
According to Psychology Today, gratitude can have such an immense impact on our lives because it engages our brains in an ongoing positive cycle. Dopamine, a feel-good hormone otherwise known as the ‘reward neurotransmitter’ plays a significant part in this and so when colleagues regularly give thanks to their peers this can, in fact, have a widespread effect on wellbeing, sleep quality, self-esteem and can even help to reduce stress. With these key factors in check, employees may find they have increased productivity in the workplace and a higher chance of achieving a healthy work-life balance.
4. It inspires greater levels of confidence
There’s nothing like a compliment to give us a confidence boost, and the workplace is no exception. The pressures of work can often negatively impact employees, creating self-doubt and worse, sleepless nights. However, when staff achievements are thrown into the spotlight and they receive praise from their other members of their organisation, it can help to reassure them that they’re doing a brilliant job. When employees feel that they’re good at what they do and are on the right trajectory in the eyes of their employer, it may even relieve some of the pressure they’re probably putting themselves under – something many of us are guilty of.
There are numerous ways to promote positive wellbeing within your organisation and employee recognition can be one of the most impactful, whilst also being cost-effective. Besides, a small ‘thank you’ can really make a person’s day.
Discover more best practice ideas to prioritise health and wellbeing in your organisation by downloading a free copy of our HR Transformation Playbook.
You can also learn more about Access Applause to build a happy, engaged and high-performing workforce here.
