Peer-To-Peer Recognition
Why Praising Your Peers Is So Important At Work
Mary Kay Ash- Founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics once said, “Everyone wants to be appreciated. So if you appreciate someone, don’t keep it a secret.” In a workplace, every employee seeks validation and recognition for their contribution to the organisation. Antiquated ideologies may deem appreciation from a manager or a superior to be the only way of doing this. However, recent studies suggest that an employee is more likely to remain in the organisation with recognition from their own peers or colleagues. We know that recognition and intrinsic motivation are pivotal to any success but it inherently depends on the manner in which it is operationalized. This is where the Peer-To-Peer Recognition Model comes into play. It is an efficient model that enables peers to appreciate each other in a public setting. As it is not bound by hierarchy, it can permeate effectively to every level in the organisation.
Why should every organization adopt this model?
A peer-centric recognition system can elevate the quality of work culture in one’s organization while enabling employees to appreciate their colleagues in a constructive way. Not only does it improve interpersonal relationships but also generates a higher level of trust among employees. It creates a cycle of recognition that builds confidence in knowledge and abilities. More importantly, it boosts retention and reduces turnover because of increased job satisfaction.
There are 3 elements to an effective peer-to-peer recognition model:
- Immediate performance feedback- Instead of waiting for year-end performance reviews, an organisation can adopt a performance review system that offers year-round feedback.
- Real-time authentic feedback- Employees should offer detailed feedback with respect to their peer’s performance in real-time for relevance
- Mobile feedback- When you adopt a mobile performance review system, all employees can recognize each other from different places. This increases positive recognition and thus, productivity.
Ketto and Peer Recognition
The Incentive Research Foundation states that peer recognition is greatly valued by the millennials of the generation. This is an important insight as 80% of Ketto’s workforce comprises millennials. Ketto understands the importance of a satisfied and happy workforce. Hence, we have adopted different mediums of recognition programs offering everyone (not just millennials) a platform to appreciate fellow employees. These programs continue to build a rewarding and rich work culture in the following ways.
Elimination of Hierarchy
Hierarchy in an organization becomes an issue considering it is our primary intention to make everyone a team player. A peer-centric environment allows us to minimize the existence of hierarchy and allow accessibility to everyone in the decision-making process.
Cycle of Recognition
We, at Ketto, encourage our employees to recognize fellow colleagues for their contributions in a way that creates a cycle of praise and recognition when the deed is carried forward. Since the implementation of a robust recognition model, Team Ketto has started using different mediums of business communication to show frequent appreciation and gratitude. Our communication platforms have given the employees a chance to access their colleagues anytime during work hours, leading to a flattened organisational structure and more engaged employees.
Building Trust and Transparency
Employee recognition and appreciation is a quick way to build trust and transparency which is one of the core values at Ketto. These values further elevate the performance of every employee and make them team players. Job satisfaction and company growth are guaranteed when these attributes are effectively achieved.
Ketto’s Quarterly Recognition Program
Ketto enables its employees to recognise their colleagues through a quarterly recognition program. It has been proven that employees do not prefer getting recognised privately. Hence, we attempt to provide public recognition through our model that offers the recognized employees confidence in their abilities and improves their performance. Our peer-to-peer recognition model through a democratic approach has given rise to other recognition programs as well.
Voluntary and Inclusive Appreciation
We have made sure that we have built an inclusive culture for a sense of belonging amongst employees. Everyone has an equal chance of getting recognised at Ketto. Whatever your designation, valuable contributions to the organization do not go unnoticed. We also understand that pressuring employees to recognise other employees defeats the sole purpose of sincerity. Our peer recognition programs pave a way for people to come forward on their own accord and appreciate teammates on a regular basis, give shout-outs and make the work environment more engaging.
“People who work in an environment where doing their best is recognized have a better chance of feeling good about their work.” — Marilyn Suttle, CVP
Peer Recognition is a key element that drives an organisation’s workforce today. It is one of the great ways of building a good company culture and it is important to include the program in every organization. Increased employee engagement and a positive work environment are crucial to achieving those set audacious goals. When employees get recognized by their peers, they feel more triumphant about the job that they are doing. A sense of accomplishment encourages them to do better in the long run. It’s high time that companies focus on creating a culture of constructive feedback and community-driven engagement.
