Recognition and Results

 

The Worksite Wellness Council of Massachusetts (WWCMA) recently hosted their 2021 virtual conference.  As part of my marketing work with the council, I was able to attend this two day event.  One session that stood out to me personally had to do with the concept of recognition.  This session, hosted by Workhuman, spoke about how companies can thrive through human connection.

As we are now almost a full year into the height of this COVID-19 pandemic, I feel like it is important to acknowledge that while we have done our best as a society to adapt, this outbreak has dramatically impacted all of us.  We all still must have a heightened sense of concern when doing anything outside of our homes.  Individuals have done what is necessary to survive during this time, but we still need to be looking out for each other.  In fact, it is my belief that we should always be looking out for each other, whether in a pandemic of not.

Remote work has been a hot topic over this past year, not because companies were trying to give employees more space for their lives, but because they were forced to change due to a health crisis.  This change has brought with it many new challenges, but also some insight into the benefits of remote work.  Engagement and acknowledgment have become even more important as those who haven't experienced working from home attempt to adapt to this new and uncertain landscape.  Some have struggled or are struggling with feelings of isolation or loneliness during this time.  Keeping consistent communication going throughout the workday is one way to decrease these feelings.  A late 2019 poll by Gallup suggests that there are five different types of conversations that managers should have with their employees to keep them engaged.  These conversations are the quick connect, the check-in, developmental coaching, progress review and the role and relationship development.

In addition to these five types of conversations, Workhuman has done their own research which found that frequent recognition can actually buffer individuals against stress.  During their segment for the WWCMA conference, their representatives spoke about the importance of managers expressing gratitude to their coworkers and direct reports.  Emotionally, expressing gratitude increases one's positive thoughts, joy and happiness.  Physically, those that express gratitude have lower blood pressure, less aches and pains, get better sleep and have a stronger immune system.  And lastly, socially, those who express gratitude have decreased feelings of loneliness, and increased feelings of generosity and compassion.  All of these positive side effects have helped employees survive in this realm of uncertainty.

Workhuman offers a field guide on gratitude for managers on their website and I highly encourage anyone reading this to give it a look. During their presentation, one of the speakers shared a quote from Brene Brown. "Trust is in fact earned in the smallest of moments… through paying attention, listening and gestures of genuine care and connection."  I whole heartedly agree with Workhuman's mission of celebrating each other, in the workplace and out.  When you care about your coworkers, they can tell.  And that recognition and thanks makes employees feel safe and appreciated.  Employees are more productive when they are healthy at work and recognition is a huge piece of the corporate wellness puzzle. 

If we could only bring this idea to every company and progress through humanity first..... here's looking to the future!

-Vicky