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  • March 29, 2021
  • Editorial
  • Harvard Business Review Digital Articles

Research: A Little Recognition Can Provide a Big Morale Boost

By: Shibeal O'Flaherty, Michael Sanders and Ashley V. Whillans
  • Format:Electronic
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Abstract

As organizations large and small face the twin challenges of increasingly strained budgets and burned out workforces, what can managers do to keep employees engaged—without breaking the bank? In this piece, the authors share new research on the power of symbolic awards such as thank you notes, public recognition, and certificates. They find that these simple interventions can significantly improve employee motivation, but clarify that to maximize their effect, it’s essential to customize these rewards to your unique context. Specifically, the authors draw on prior research to highlight five key considerations for managers looking to implement symbolic awards: the most impactful messenger, the best timing, whether to make it private or public, attention to detail, and the importance of starting small. While these interventions are no substitute for fair monetary compensation, especially when cash is limited, symbolic awards can go a long way to demonstrate your appreciation for your employees and keep spirits high.

Keywords

Motivation; Psychology; Work; Employees; Motivation and Incentives; Social Psychology

Citation

O'Flaherty, Shibeal, Michael Sanders, and Ashley V. Whillans. "Research: A Little Recognition Can Provide a Big Morale Boost." Harvard Business Review Digital Articles (March 29, 2021).
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About The Author

Ashley V. Whillans

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
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    The Emotional Rewards of Prosocial Spending Are Robust and Replicable in Large Samples

    By: Lara B. Aknin, Elizabeth W. Dunn and Ashley V. Whillans
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    Perceived Job Difficulty Influences Unionization Support for Workers in Low-Wage Jobs

    By: Elizabeth R. Johnson and Ashley V. Whillans
    • 2022
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    The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Satisfaction of Workers in Low-Wage Jobs

    By: Elizabeth R Johnson and Ashley V. Whillans
More from the Authors
  • The Emotional Rewards of Prosocial Spending Are Robust and Replicable in Large Samples By: Lara B. Aknin, Elizabeth W. Dunn and Ashley V. Whillans
  • Perceived Job Difficulty Influences Unionization Support for Workers in Low-Wage Jobs By: Elizabeth R. Johnson and Ashley V. Whillans
  • The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Satisfaction of Workers in Low-Wage Jobs By: Elizabeth R Johnson and Ashley V. Whillans
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