Formal recognition programs do not work

Most employees at present feel overworked and under‐appreciated. During times of change when we are asking them to do more with less, they report feeling less valued and more stressed for their efforts than ever before. Recognition represents the single most validated principle for driving desired behaviour and performance in the present work environment. This paper looks to question common approaches to recognise and motivate present employees and how you can better and more frequently recognise those you work with – even with little time, resources or budget – to systematically leverage, build and sustain a culture of recognition at work.