According to author and management consultant Rosabeth Moss Kanter, “Recognition – saying thank you in public and perhaps giving a tangible gift along with the words – has multiple functions beyond simple human courtesy.  To the employee, recognition signifies that someone has noticed and someone cares”.

Kantor believes that the following 7 principles are essential in order to successfully recognise employee’s contributions:

• Emphasise success rather than failure
• Deliver recognition and reward in an open and publicised way
• Deliver recognition in a personal and honest manner
• Tailor your recognition and reward to the unique needs of the people involved
• Timing is crucial – recognise contribution throughout a project
• Strive for a clear, unambiguous, and well-communicated connection between accomplishments and rewards
• Recognise recognition i.e. recognise people who recognise others for doing what is best for the company

It’s the little things in life that make a big difference and taking the time to say a simple thank you costs nothing and can have a dramatic effect on an individual’s morale and productivity.