If you’re aware of the myriad of benefits an employee recognition program can provide, it may seem like a no-brainer to implement one. However, convincing a company to adopt a new initiative can be a daunting task. Here’s our advice on how to make a compelling case.
Gather Data
Prepare to make your argument by conducting plenty of research. Arming yourself with statistics from reputable sources is the easiest way to get your point across. Research the impact employee recognition can have on your particular industry and organizations similar to yours. Pay particular attention to any challenges your company may have such as employee engagement, morale, productivity, and retention. (EA Dion’s Knowledge Center is a great place to start!)
As referenced in a previous blog, here are some statistics from a recent Gallup report, conducted in partnership with Workhuman. They found that if the median business could double the amount of employees who receive praise or recognition at least once a week, they could see:
- A 22% reduction in absences
- A 9% increase in productivity
- A 22% decrease in safety incidents
You can also crunch some fascinating numbers by using a turnover cost calculator to illustrate the hidden costs of employee dissatisfaction at your company.
Identify Stakeholders
When preparing your case, identify who the key stakeholders are, and what will matter to them most when considering a recognition program. For the HR department, that may be retention. The Finance department will be concerned with cost, and Senior Management will be interested in the strategic value and long-term benefits. Keep their unique perspectives in mind when creating your presentation.
Addressing Potential Concerns
When proposing a sizable change, it's natural for people to have questions and concerns. Here are some common concerns and responses:
Cost Concerns
Objection: “It’s too expensive.”
Response: Highlight that the cost of implementing a recognition program is often offset by the savings from reduced turnover and increased productivity. Show how even small gestures, like thank-you notes or public recognition, can have a significant impact without requiring a large budget.
Time Commitment
Objection: “It will take too much time.”
Response: Explain that many recognition activities, such as shout-outs during meetings or monthly awards, require minimal time investment. The long-term benefits of improved morale and engagement far outweigh the time spent.
Effectiveness
Objection: “How do we know it will work?”
Response: Present evidence from other companies and research that demonstrate the effectiveness of recognition programs. Emphasize the importance of tailoring the program to fit your company’s culture, and identify the KPI metrics your company will use to monitor its success.
Start Small
Get the ball rolling by suggesting a small program launch to test the waters. This could be an employee-of-the-month award, integrating praise into daily meetings, or establishing an avenue for peer-to-peer recognition. Once this pilot program is launched, begin collecting data and feedback to discuss at a follow-up meeting. This is a great way to get a low commitment buy-in and learn how people respond to giving and receiving recognition.
Growing the Program
If all goes well, it may not be long before the organization wants to expand the recognition program and include more formal methods of milestone recognition. When considering award options, it’s important to note the emotional impact an award can have. Custom tangible awards have a large emotional impact as they provide a physical embodiment of the recipient’s hard work and the company’s gratitude. The employee can show it off and cherish the memory long after they’ve received it. At EA Dion, we’ve been crafting high-quality award jewelry that motivates and inspires for over 55 years.
Whether you’re creating a new program, or revamping an old one, it’s important to work with a supplier who is passionate about your success. Dion’s dedicated Account Management Team guides you through the entire process from design to delivery. We also provide a large array of admin services to help support programs of any size. Getting started with Dion is easy: simply browse our gallery of past products for some inspiration, then This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. give us a call, or fill out our New Project Form for a quote!
