Speaker Q&A Directory
The Carrot Principle: Recognition to Inspire
What does it take to inspire employees to do their best work? Salary and benefits get employees through the door, says Andrea Gappmeyer, a trainer with O. C. Tanner Company. But the most successful companies use positive leadership, including praise and recognition of hard work, to engage workers and reduce turnover.
Q: What is the “carrot principle”?
A: It’s about creating employee engagement through recognition and appreciation. Engaged employees are much more productive, which affects your bottom line. If you have employees who just come in and put in the bare minimum, they’re not doing you a lot of good.
Q: Why is it important to create an engaged workforce?
A: Turnover is the highest hidden business expense. It costs the company a lot of money to rehire when people quit. If you can reduce that number by increasing employee engagement, you’ve saved the company a lot on the bottom line.
Q: What is the role of benefits in a recognition program?
A: Benefits are more like an incentive: “Here is what you need to do, and here is what you get when you do it.” Recognition comes out of the clear blue. It’s acknowledging when people have gone above and beyond for you. How do you keep top talent? How do keep star players? The best way is by letting them know you appreciate them.
Q: What are some good ways of providing recognition?
A: During this session we’ll discuss no-cost, low-cost ideas that don’t take a lot of time or money. Thank you cards, for example, pack a big punch, as do little things like posting a story online about what one of your employees did. Never underestimate the power of a cup of coffee or a letter of praise to the employee’s family.
Q: What evidence is there that recognition reduces costs for employers?
A: The carrot principle is based on one of the largest workplace studies ever conducted. It took place over 10 years, with over 200,000 employees and managers. We have direct proof that it reduces employee turnover and adds to the bottom line.
