Private clubs thrive when employees are at their best. Happy, engaged workers provide the kind of excellent member service that truly sets clubs apart. While it’s easy to see what can make employees unhappy, putting your finger on how to actually engage them in their work and make sure they’re invested in their jobs can be a bit more elusive. What do employees want most from their jobs (other than a paycheck)? How can the club make employees feel valued? How do employees perceive club culture, and how does it contribute to employee engagement?
According to the March 2012 survey, “Spring 2012 Globoforce Mood Tracker” by Globoforce, a firm specializing in employee recognition, the importance of recognition cannot be understated. Globoforce surveyed a broad range of full-time employees in the United States, over the age of 18, who worked at organizations with more than 500 employees.
The survey identified five key findings about the importance of employee recognition and how that recognition, coupled with company culture, can contribute to employee satisfaction, motivation and retention.
1. Recognition Rising
The study indicated that more and more companies are adopting formal recognition programs, and those that are have become more attractive to potential employees and job candidates—helping those organizations attract the best and brightest talent to help further company success.
- 81% of those surveyed reported that being recognized for their efforts made them more satisfied with their work and jobs
2. Frequent Recognition Can Increase Employee Satisfaction
The study illustrated a strong correlation between employee recognition and employees’ feelings towards their jobs.
- 90% of employees who were recognized within the last three months feel that their managers acknowledge and appreciate them
- 83% are satisfied with their level of recognition
- 76% indicated that they love their jobs
In contrast, only 37 percent of employees who were last recognized six months ago or more reported that they loved their jobs.
3. When Employees Look for More Recognition, They Also Look for New Jobs
When employees don’t feel that they’re recognized for their efforts, many become unhappy in their current jobs and start to look elsewhere.
- 55% of workers (and more than half of at-risk employees) indicated that they would leave their current jobs for a company that clearly recognizes its employees’ efforts and contributions
- 47% of those who indicated they would leave their current jobs for companies that better recognize their employees have done so in the past—reporting a lack of recognition or negative organizational culture as key reasons for leaving their last company
Fortunately, employees who feel recognized for their efforts are less likely to defect.
- 23% of employees who had been recognized in the past three months reported that they were considering a job change
- 51% of employees who have never been recognized reported that they were considering a job change
4. Recognition Helps Increase Motivation and Productivity
Studies have continuously linked high levels of employee engagement to increased motivation and productivity in employees and increased earnings and profits for companies—including this one.
- 82% of employees surveyed said that recognition increased their job motivation
- 78% would work harder if they were more effectively recognized and appreciated for their efforts
5. Culture is Key
The survey showed that the strength of company culture directly corresponded to the frequency of employee recognition, indicating that employees who were regularly recognized for their efforts had a much higher stake in corporate culture than those who were not.
- 80% of employees indicated that company culture was an important part working for an organization
- 55% believe they actually work in an environment with a good company culture
- 45% did not believe their company had a strong or positive culture or didn’t believe that managers or employees appreciated company culture
Clubs are supported and distinguished by the hard work and excellent member service contributed by their employees. Recognition programs are an easy way for clubs to reward employee efforts, improve morale, promote engagement and improve workplace culture—all of which contribute towards a healthier and happier bottom line. For information on how your club can reward its employees, see the article “Rewarding Achievement: Strategic Employee Recognition Programs.” Also look out for NCA’s upcoming publication, Strategic HR Management: Best Practices for Private Clubs, for other ways to help your club build a more engaged, satisfied and effective club staff.
Jackie Abrams is NCA’s communications manager.