How to build appreciation culture in your company?

Workshop Insights: How to Engage Employees and Retain Talent Longer—The Power of Appreciation and the Art of Feedback

Heads of departments, managers, directors, and company leaders recently participated in the workshop titled "How to Engage Employees to Retain Them Longer: The Power of Appreciation and the Art of Feedback". The event was organized by the Entrepreneurs and Employers Association and provided valuable insights into modern employee engagement strategies.

Key Takeaways from the Workshop

Participants explored critical findings, including:

• Disengaged employees are less productive, directly impacting company performance.
• Recognition from a direct supervisor is three times more effective than other forms of appreciation.
• Employees value workplaces where they feel recognized and significant.
• Over time, salary becomes a less significant factor in overall job satisfaction compared to other motivators.

Workshop Activities

After an insightful theoretical session, the workshop shifted to practical group and individual exercises. Participants discussed motivation, engagement, and recognition trends based on real-life experiences.

Tools for Boosting Employee Engagement

One key tool introduced was the Nais application, designed to support employee engagement through:

• Rewarding team members effectively.
• Facilitating team integration and collaboration.
• Organizing employee contributions to company projects.
• Managing the Employee Benefits Fund transparently.

The app offers personalized communication and a detailed overview of employees' total compensation, enhancing transparency and trust.

Challenges Identified in Giving Feedback

The practical sessions and Q&A discussions revealed common challenges in feedback delivery:

• Fear of the employee’s reaction.
• Lack of confidence in the feedback giver’s position.
• Insufficient knowledge about the subject or task.
• Misunderstanding employee expectations and goals.
• Excessive familiarity, making professional communication difficult.

Solutions for Effective Feedback Delivery

To overcome these challenges, facilitators emphasized best practices for giving feedback:

1. Establish a sense of trust and security in relationships.
2. Schedule feedback sessions, setting clear expectations.
3. Thorough preparation before the discussion.
4. Understand the employee’s strengths and weaknesses.
5. Maintain confidence and clarity during the conversation.

How to Deliver Feedback Effectively

Feedback should always be a developmental conversation. Key elements include:

• Timely delivery—feedback should be shared immediately after an event.
• Specificity—focus on concrete examples and actionable points.
• Positive reinforcement—motivate employees by combining constructive feedback with recognition and praise.

Regular and well-executed feedback is the most cost-effective tool for improving employee engagement, boosting morale, and retaining top talent.

By implementing these strategies and tools, companies can foster a culture of appreciation and productivity that benefits both employees and organizational growth.

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