“It is better to give than to receive.”
That age old axiom tells us that generosity has its own rewards—especially around the Holidays— and that people on the giving side experience just as much (if not more) satisfaction than those on the receiving end. In the context of employee recognition that’s true as well—especially among younger workers.
The generation who grew up connected to social technologies gets just as much out of giving recognition as they do receiving it. Don’t get me wrong. Millennials relish input just like everyone else. In fact, they want theirs more often and, when possible, in real-time. But here’s the surprise—and it’s a big one—they like to give feedback as much as they like to receive it. Research shows that younger employees rate peer-to-peer capabilities higher than just about any other aspect of a recognition program.
I guess this really shouldn’t shock anyone. Think about it. Millennials grew up connected to social media and they still use it to share what they are doing and what they’re accomplishing. So why wouldn’t that same mentality carry over into the workplace? Why wouldn’t they want to be connected with coworkers and colleagues so they can share their successes?
Millennials are the largest workplace cohort out there, and they are a generation wired for social recognition. Give them that gift and you will receive more in return—including all the business benefits that follow when a workforce is connected and aligned. When employees are empowered to recognize one another, recognition becomes more frequent, more authentic, and more visible throughout the organization. That creates stronger relationships, encourages collaboration, and reinforces the behaviors that define your culture. Instead of appreciation flowing only from the top down, it becomes part of the everyday employee experience. In the end, everyone benefits—from the employees giving recognition, to those receiving it, to the organization that enjoys higher engagement, stronger performance, and a workplace where people genuinely want to contribute and succeed.