By Amy Campbell
Everyone likes to be recognized. If we didnt, there would be no Super Bowl, Olympic games, Oscars or even trophies and ribbons for spelling bees and science fairs. Just as there many things to be recognized fortalent, beauty, hard workthere are just as many ways to be rewardedmoney, promotions, awards. There is no right or wrong when it comes to recognizing a persons contributions or actions, except by not acknowledging them.
I came across a great article on MSN.com about ways business owners can create a powerful employee-recognition program. Lets face it. A terrific employee likely wont stick around if hes feeling underappreciated. Like I said, we all like recognition, so a self-storage manager who works hard but rarely receives a nice job! from the boss may look elsewhere. Plus, recognition shouldnt be an afterthought on a self-storage owners part, or only handed out after the completion of a big project or end-of-year review. It should be ongoing. Employees need to know you appreciate their efforts and are aware of their hard work. Creating an employee-recognition program is one way to keep the good ones from perusing the online employment websites and show your appreciation.
So how do you build an employee-recognition program thats fair to all your employees and easy to implement? First, the article suggests you define performance targets and qualifying criteria. This means you must first decide when youll show recognition. Will it be when your self-storage manager reaches a certain goal, such as increasing the facilitys occupancy by 10 percent, or generating 20 percent more in retail sales?
Next, determine what kind of recognition youd like to offer. The article suggests you ensure its meaningful, but it doesnt have to be monetary in nature. Although everyone loves cash, there are other rewards that can make a self-storage manager feel his hard work has been appreciated. If you know your manager well, youll also know what type of reward will be most meaningful.
The article also reminds business owners to keep it real. No one wants to be patronized, so if you dont mean it, dont say it or do it. While self-storage managers deserve and want acknowledgement, offering recognition for everything they do cheapens the sentiment. Finally, the author suggests employers ask staff for input. This gives them buy in and encourages them to strive for their best.
With the new year just around the corner, nows the time to put a newor even revisedemployee-recognition program in place. If youre considering a new bonus program, read about types and other considerations in this ISS article. Keep in mind, your employee-recognition program doesnt have to be pay-based to be effective. Talk to your staff. Find out how theyd like to be recognized. Their answers might surprise you. You can also ask the self-storage managers and owners on Self-Storage Talk, the industrys largest forum. Do you have an employee-appreciation program? Tell us about it by posting a comment below.