According to an exclusive survey by Personnel Today, one of the most influential factors in workplace productivity is whether or not an employee feels appreciated for the work they do.

Overall, the survey found that the most productive workplace environments were ones in which “respondents felt appreciated and rewarded“. All respondents suggested that they felt either more productive or a little more productive when recognised for their contribution at work. 2 in 3 were considerably more productive when they were praised by management.

As Ewan McCulloch, HR director of retailer Staples noted, “in many organisations, particularly facing today’s economic challenges, the motivators above and beyond hygiene factors such as salary - such as a sense of achievement - are often the first things to disappear when the pressure is on“. The survey highlighted the influence of recognition and the direct impact it has on productivity. Given that recognition allows managers to exercise daily control over productivity, for it to be the first thing to be sacrificed is a trend that needs to be reversed.

Peoplevalue’s Excellence Awards are a non-cash reward system that allows employers to reward their employees, recognising their contribution and motivating their continued productivity.

Rewarding employees for specific achievements, or for working with a desired work ethic improves their connection with their employer and reinforces the support structure with senior management.

The use of a system such as Excellence Awards, where the employer can determine the criteria for reward, can cultivate a workplace culture where employees feel appreciated, more motivated and are more productive as a result. According to the survey, the majority of respondents (38%) said that the greatest impact of increased productivity was that their organisation became happier and made up of more motivated staff.

Excellence Awards can create a cycle of productivity- recognition - motivation - productivity which delivers direct and demonstrable benefits to an organisation’s bottom line.

To read more about Peoplevalue’s Excellence Awards, please click here.

To read Personnel Today’s full report of the survey’s finding, please click here.