Kudos

To: All Employees
From: HR Department
Re: Kudos

We have been asked to explain the company's policy for praising employees in mass e-mails. We not only allow the practice, but also encourage it. Frequent recognition of employees' contribution to our company's success is a certain — and affordable — way to boost emplyee engagement and to retain good workers.

If you wish to praise a fellow employee, keep these simple guidelines in mind:

1. The purpose of praising someone in the workplace is to improve morale and increase productivity, not to get employees to like you or to feel better for having a bad haircut. Know the difference between a compliment and effective praise. Telling an employee, "I really adore that festive holiday frock," is a compliment. Telling someone, "Your skill at resolving customer concerns is a valuable asset to our company," is effective praise.

2. In order for praise to work, it must be sincere. Employees can easily identify phony praise, which will cause you to lose credibility and the ability to motivate them in the future with praise. It's better to say, "Tom, thanks for your helpful advice," vs. "Tom, you're the best coworker anyone could ever have."

3. At a minimum, praise each employee once a month. Certain employees (such as new workers or those who lack confidence) may require more praise than others. Even the most problematic worker can be sincerely praised. Tell always-frowning Fran that her smile brightens up the room and see the difference it makes.

4. Praise in public. Public praise helps improve the morale of all employees. Sending an e-mail to all employees saying, "Mary, you did a great job on handling that customer complaint! You rock!" is sure to motivate other workers to optimal performance, thus improving morale and increasing productivity.