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Set the Tone

Rewards and recognition do not exist in a vacuum, and their impact hinges on the workplace context and culture. If the environment is harsh or cold, all of your efforts to reward and recognize employees will fall short. For example, if a manager typically treats employees with indifference, any positive feedback or rewards he or she provides will be received with skepticism at best. However, the same feedback or rewards from a more supportive manager will be well received. As a result, if you want rewards and recognition to work, it is essential to set a tone that is positive, friendly, fair, and premised on respect and trust.

One easy way to help set this tone is to avoid the common managerial practice of looking through employees rather than talking to them. By saying “hello” to your employees around the office, perhaps asking how things are going, and then listening, your employees are going to feel appreciated, important, and respected, and these are great rewards.