Positive Reinforcement

Author Simon Sinek stated that “When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute.” Positive reinforcement can help cement that emotional investment.

Every day we thank complete strangers for their attention and kindness: the person in front of you holding open a door, a waitress for refilling your coffee, or even a bystander offering to take that family picture of you with your own camera. So why is it so hard for some managers and business owners to say “thank you” to their own employees for a job well done?

The reality is that just giving an employee a pay check is not a “thank you.” That paycheck does not ensure retention or commitment – nor does that token gold watch, gifts with your company logo, or even a raise. A 2007 study by the Incentive Federation discovered that while these are some of the most commonly used employee “motivators,” they are also the least effective. Several studies by Harvard Business Review revealed that high levels of employee involvement increased production, which in turn enhanced customer satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately, profitability.

In the book, “1001 Ways to Recognize Employees,” the top two drivers of employee performance are identified as: “I am able to make a difference at work,” and “I have been recognized recently for what I do.” Money ranks a distant fifth. Nearly 70% of the workers interviewed for the book admitted they hadn’t received even a simple “thank you” from their boss in the previous six months. Employees consistently ranked positive feedback from their boss, as one of the best motivators.

Think back to when you were a child. How did your mother get you to eat your vegetables? By promising dessert! Behavioral science has taught us that positive behavior needs to be reinforced instantly, within 10 seconds. So, when mom promised dessert as soon as dinner was eaten, it’s not surprising that you ate that broccoli knowing the chocolate cake was all yours.

So, take a moment every day to thank your employees for simply completing an assigned task, excelling at one, or even taking the initiative to tackle it. Whether it’s a “Perfect!” post-it note stuck on a reviewed project, a public acknowledgment for a job well done in a meeting, or a quick email recognizing the employee’s critical thinking around the project, you will create a positive workplace environment, fostering loyalty, independent thought, and commitment. Remember, positive reinforcement makes the workplace more enjoyable and is one of the most powerful tools you have for employee retention.

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