Take a look at this scenario: Your organization has decided to create a culture of recognition. An investment has been made with an online recognition and performance improvement platform. You, along with management, feel you have created the greatest recognition system with easy-to-use nomination recognition tools. You have aligned corporate strategies and goals. Soon after launch, participation is lack luster and dismal. You ask yourself, “What is missing?” Could it be an effective engagement and communication plan?
It is a fact and backed by research, if your employees are not kept in the loop about the recognition program, participation will suffer. Communication is an important key in successfully executing any performance improvement initiative. And most importantly, use communication to move and compel people to take action.
Recognition and performance improvement programs’ sole success lies heavily on the communication plan. A successful communication plan should include:
- Launch – Have a party and include everyone! Make it fun and memorable.
- Repetition – The message needs to be frequent and consistent.
- Mix it up! – Everyone responds differently to different methods of communication. Use a combination of print elements, including branded trinkets and posters, electronic messages sent to emails, PDA’s and other devices.
- Management – Encourage and engage managers as “recognition” advocates.
- Online – Post reminders and publicize successes on your organization’s intranet pages or other message boards.
Behind every effective program, you’ll find a compelling communication plan. Do you have a communication strategy for your rewards and recognition initiatives? What types of communication elements do you include?
