Tag Archives: Robert Half International

Just Say Thank You. (Period)

How do cutting out reward and recognition programs undercut your company?  For the answer, just look at this  study from the Incentive Marketing Association.

In its white paper “The Time for Employee Recognition and Reward Programs Is Now,” the group says  rewards and recognition provide the kind of engagement that create success for companies during tough times.

According to the report: “Creating and maintaining a climate of employee appreciation can make the difference – and it doesn’t always need a large budget. In fact, it can be one of the most effective moves an employer can take. Companies of all sizes need to make a conscious commitment to keep their recognition if they want to keep their employees engaged and productive.”

Some key findings from the report:

  • Companies with recognition and reward programs outperform competitors.
  • Recognition and reward programs are ROI compatible.
  • Customer satisfaction, loyalty and profitability are tied to recognition.

Another interesting survey that’s from a collaboration between the International Association of Administrative Professionals and OfficeTeam, the admin staffing division of global giant Robert Half International, shows the power of a pat on the back. While supervisors surveyed rated job promotions and cash as the two most valued forms of recognition to administrative professionals, support staff favored a simple thank-you and having their accomplishments passed on to senior management.  That’s “Thank You Power” in action.  It’s free or inexpensive, it’s meaningful and it’s powerful.

Also, two out of three (66%) administrative employees said they would probably leave their jobs if they did not feel appreciated by their manager, while seven out of 10 (70%) admitted the company’s recognition program would factor into their decision to accept a job with a potential employer.

“While financial rewards should not be overlooked, the research shows there are other ways to effectively recognize someone’s commitment and dedication,” says Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. “Administrative professionals are working harder than ever, but their accomplishments usually occur behind the scenes. Therefore, praise from supervisors or a colleague that is specific, immediate and genuine can go a long way toward keeping these employees motivated and loyal.”

gThankYou® Certificates of Gratitude™, when given for employee recognition and rewards, are a way  savvy companies say “Thank You” to employees.  gThankYou, LLC is based in Madison, Wisconsin.  The company is best known for its Ham Gift Certificates, Turkey Gift Certificates and Grocery Gift Cards.

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Savvy HR Manager – Thank You, Now More Than Ever

HR managers are often the keepers of corporate culture.  They’re the ones who encourage senior leaders by saying, “Maybe it’s time we…”

Now, more than ever, it’s time to say “thank you” to employees, particularly high performers and high potentials.

Robert Half recently published a survey by Robert Half International with some very telling news about how critical it is to express Thank You in corporate environments today.Thank-You Note

The poll of 150 senior executives from the nation’s 1,000 largest companies reveals the two leading reasons top performers leave their jobs.  First,  they’re, unhappy with management; second, the see  limited advancement opportunities. Retaining top talent is a major concern, particularly in today’s challenging economic climate.  Savvy human resources managers can must ensure senior leaders are generously leveraging value of Thank You.

Explains Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International and author of Human Resources Kit for Dummies, “Employees want to see their efforts rewarded and acknowledged. If offering a promotion isn’t an option right now, managers can reward employees consider providing employees with professional development opportunities and the flexibility to pursue projects that will help them expand their skill sets.”

Knowing how to say thank you to employees is now the most important tool in the HR managers’ tool kit. Elaine Varelas, managing partner of Boston career management firm Keystone Partners, writes that giving thanks to employees need not wait for a special occasion or an annual performance review, “HR managers can help make employee recognition a part of the culture.” Start, Varelas suggests, by having a conversation with the company’s leadership team and obtaining buy-in for the gratitude concept. Then, establish formal recognition policies while stressing the importance of providing positive feedback in the context of a specific “Thanks” for a job well done.

Don’t take employees for granted during a recession, urge management consultants Don Lowman and Julie Gebauer of global professional services firm Towers Perrin and authors of Closing the Engagement Gap, reminding that employees now expect companies and leaders to make decisions that are “thoughtful, balanced and fair.”

Says Lowman, “Your best people are always going to be in demand. Make sure they know that they are in demand where they are now!” “My strong advice to you is to pay attention to them now, let them know how much you appreciate them and reinforce how committed you are to their careers. Your smart competitors will see the current environment as an opportunity to build their talent bench and/or upgrade their staff at a lower price than might have been the case a few months ago.”

Well said; gThankyou.

gThankYou® Ham Gift Certificates, Turkey Gift Certificates, and Grocery Gift Certificates are its best known products.

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