Key Elements and Helpful Ideas for Employee Recognition

Key Elements of Impactful Recognition

When recognizing an employee, remember the acronym “PRAISE”:

PRAISE recognition principles and their descriptions
Principle	Description
Personal	Recognition should be provided in a way that is meaningful to the employee. Not sure how to do this? Ask your employee.
Relevant	Recognition should be relevant to an employee’s work, goals and values of their department, and their role as an employee.
Authentic	Recognition should be genuine, trustworthy and original.
Immediate	It is important to give recognition in a timely manner.
Specific	Be clear about the recognition. Not only does this add value, but it validates an employee’s work and strengthens alignment.
Empowering	Intentional and authentic recognition serves as a motivator, inspiring employees to perform their best. It fosters a sense of pride, ownership and commitment.

Thank your employees! This can be done verbally, via chat, email or a handwritten thank you note.

Send praise to employees via Microsoft Teams.

Send an email of kudos and copy upper-level supervisors.

Notice their knowledge or strength in a subject area and ask them to lead a related group or project.

Sponsor staff members to be included in high-profile projects.

Recognize employees at a team meeting or department-level meeting.

Take time to celebrate employee birthdays and work anniversaries.

Provide them with verbal and written feedback on projects or goals.

Nominate them for Employee of the Month
(based on a goal or core value).

Encourage peer recognition.

Ask your employees how they like to be recognized.

Provide professional development opportunities.

Nominate employees for university awards.