Jenn Tekin

A new hire’s experience on their first day can set the stage (and their mindset) for the rest of their employment. Going the extra mile to make a new employee feel welcome the organization is an important first step in building employee engagement and achieving a sustainable culture of recognition company-wide.  Well-designed and executed recognition programs are an excellent way to ensure not only a positive first-day experience, but also create a happy and successful work environment.

A WorldatWork Association Linked In poll confirms that organization’s today take the early adoption of employee recognition seriously.  The March 2012 poll reports that 95% of respondents agree that early recognition in the global workforce is very important starting with day 1.  The methodology is that recognition programs present a unique opportunity to communicate to the newest team members – and re-emphasize to all employees – that the organization is committed to helping them achieve success both personally and professionally.  Implementing a recognition program that includes new employee on-boarding is an excellent strategy for developing employee engagement. 

Employee recognition should begin on the first day of employment.

Organizations with high employee engagement experience 16% higher profitability and 18% higher productivity over companies with low engagement levels, according to Gallup. Similarly, a study from Towers Perrin reports that committed employees deliver 57% more effort than uncommitted employees. By supporting desired behaviors among employees – especially those new to the organization with praise and recognition, an organization will create a performance culture that impacts the workforce long into the future.

In conjunction with an organization’s onboarding practices, daily recognition tools such as notecards, eCards and company branded items are powerful and memorable motivators when welcoming new employees and assimilating them to the organization.  “Being recognized for positive contribution carries significant value in communicating appreciation and respect,” comments Jennifer Tekin of Sodexo Motivation Solutions. “And thus creates a foundation of trust and open-communication in which to build employee engagement.”

Incorporating recognition early in an employee’s tenure ensures they feel supported by leadership and their peers.  The connection sparked during an employee’s first days with the organization is a lasting memory that will motivate them in the years ahead and contribute to the organization’s overall culture of recognition.

Jennifer Tekin is a senior marketing manager for Sodexo Motivation Solutions.