Knowing how to instantly recognize your remote employees during these difficult times makes the difference.
The pandemic transformed the way business is done and moved where we work every day. At this point, employees have already managed to adapt to virtual working conditions instead of coming to an office daily.
So now, companies face a new challenge: how do they keep virtual teams engaged in the midst of COVID-19?
We listed down ways to boost employee engagement through recognition to further your business and continue to get results.
1. Provide immediate feedback
According to a Virgin Pulse survey, overdependence on technology makes employees feel isolated and less connected, leaving them disengaged and unmotivated to work.
Now that face-to-face catchups are off the table, you can make recognition more meaningful by sending a simple ‘Good job!’ message when it’s earned. Don’t wait until the end of the day. Make sure the employee sees it immediately for a greater impact.
2. Create a remote ritual for celebrations
Pre-pandemic, when your team is gathered in the office, it’s likely that you celebrate closing a huge deal or achieving targets by buying everyone lunch or drinking out.
Working remotely doesn’t need to end traditions like these. Make use of virtual meeting platforms to announce and celebrate major accomplishments. You might not be able to send free lunches anymore, but your employees can socialize and celebrate wins virtually. Plus, you get that in-office feeling that you all surely miss.
3. Give employees digital GCs
It’s already an established fact that gift certificates make an effective morale booster instead of cash for employees.
Digital rewards like Sodexo+ digital GCs give your employees the freedom to choose the reward they like and redeem it when they need it. Sodexo+ digital GCs can be distributed through a web portal and received by your employees through a free app. To know more about Sodexo+, sign up here.
4. Call them and just say ‘Thank you’
Normally, when employees receive an invitation for an unscheduled call, they assume the worst. Calling them for a 5-minute chat to appreciate the work they’ve been doing for the past months will give them an extra boost of motivation.
Employees appreciate sincerity. And the fact that you went out of your way to call them just to express gratitude will make them feel truly valued.
