Editor’s Note: Vitru puts knowledge into the hands of people who need it: managers, teams, employees. Using psychometric assessment testing, each personality is broken down and segmented into a microcosm of work values and traits. Just as each employee has a unique persona, each work value embodies its own narrative. This multi-part blog series sets each of the 12 Vitru Work Values under the microscope to learn significance of each. What they look like manifested in an employee, and how they affect a company as a whole. You’ll get the most out of this series if you’ve taken the Vitru Assess or used Vitru Compare. Both are free!
Respect, authority, recognition, reputation. How you are seen at work can be just as important as how much you make. The Vitru work value of Status plays an importance in how we feel about our work, ourselves and how we interact with the ones around us, and it’s more than a job title. 45% of employed Americans are “completely satisfied” with the recognition they receive at work for their accomplishments.
We can all relate to this trait even if just a little bit. We put in the time and want to see at least some recognition for a job well done or the effort it takes! Status is about being recognized and appreciated no matter what level one stands at. Are you doing all you can to show your employees the acknowledgment they deserve?
Identify
Only 14% of organizations provide managers with the necessary tools for rewards and recognition. By praising quality work, workers know their time and skills are of value to the company. What are you using to accomplish this? Emails, intranets, desk visits? Use public acclaim for peers and management to witness.
Management tip: Emphasize that performance is well regarded by others. Incorporating feedback with a platform or a quick praise on the company’s intranet can give employees that midday boost they were yearning for.
Be specific: A “well done this week” may be nice to hear on the way out the door on a Friday, but at the Wednesday meeting, a specific accolade about the way in which Sean handled the contract discrepancy with Client X in front of the team can be a huge boost.
Facilitate Decision Making
39% of employees feel underappreciated at work, with 77% reporting that they would work harder if they felt better recognized.
Something so simple as a question mark, yet often overlooked, can make a big difference in the way it can make employees feel. When going back and forth with a subordinate, whether through email, intranet or in person, even expressing the slight uncertainty allowing the employee to insert his or her opinion, (even if not going to change your mind) is a way to show value in their opinion. Inserting a question mark at the end of a statement. They aren’t just taking orders anymore, they are collaborating.
Management tip: Don’t just give orders, ask for employees’ insights and opinions first.
“Let them make decisions that matter and can impact the company. Verbal appreciation is important, and bonuses or other perks are appreciated, but ultimately, showing someone that you trust their opinion and expertise is far more valuable.” – Drew Thomas, Chief Creative Officer, Digital Agency Brolik.
Where it Works
Employees who value Status like to be seen as working for an esteemed, integritous company. One with a reputation and acclaim in the industry. They are proud of their company and want to share and in the approbation by contributing every day. Are you struggling with a stagnant employee?
Towers Watson research shows that regardless of age, the top driver of employee engagement is a “sense of opportunity for development in the organization and that the company cares about me.”
Management tip: Rebrand a position with a new title, or tack on a new responsibility. Make sure it’s not just for show, actually trust your fledgling manager or new director with the role. Your employees want to grow with you and will step up to prove it.
Try This
“When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute.” – Simon Sinek, Best Selling author of Start With Why
Recognition can work for a company and employee alike. Understanding what makes up the employees that make up your departments and company can help determine the winning formula for each. Use the Vitru work assessment platform to identify the values and traits. How much emphasis do you place on Status? Try the free compare tool now.
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