Effective strategies to provide meaningful recognition to new hires and voluntarily exiting employees.
In this article:
Overview
Recognition is vital for both new hires and exiting employees.
For new hires, it sets the tone, boosts engagement, and helps them feel valued from day one. For exiting employees, it ensures they leave on good terms, preserving relationships and avoiding burned bridges.
The following are effective strategies to provide meaningful recognition for both groups.
Recognition Tips for New Hires
Welcome Post & Email
Send a welcome post or email to introduce new team members.
Include their role, background, and a few fun details like hobbies or interests. This simple gesture helps current employees get to know the newcomer and fosters quicker relationship-building. It's especially effective in smaller organizations where personal connections are key.
Recognize Contributions Early
Recognize small contributions early in an employee's tenure.
During the first few weeks, their impact may be minimal as they focus on onboarding. However, acknowledging any achievements or milestones helps them feel valued and shows they’re progressing toward becoming a key part of the team. Celebrating small wins fosters a sense of belonging and motivates further growth.
Encourage New Perspectives
Encourage the unique perspectives new hires bring, whether they’re fresh out of college or from another organization.
Their different experiences offer valuable ideas outside the usual workplace norms. Invite them to share strategies or processes that worked for them in the past. This not only helps the new hire feel valued but could also introduce more efficient methods to your organization.
Recognition Tips for Exiting Employees
Tips for recognizing voluntarily exiting employees.
Celebrate Their Success
Celebrate their successes by sharing a detailed post highlighting their most significant achievements during their time with the team.
Recognize key milestones, contributions, and the positive impact they've had. This not only honors their efforts but also inspires others and reinforces a culture of appreciation.
Team Lunch or Going-Away Party
Host a farewell lunch or throw a going-away party to give the departing employee a meaningful send-off.
This provides an opportunity for colleagues to say their goodbyes, reflect on shared experiences, and celebrate the contributions of the exiting team member. It's a final gesture of appreciation, helping everyone remember the positive moments while offering the departing employee a warm, respectful exit from the team.
Be a Reference
Offer to be a reference.
Let the employee know you're available for support and guidance as they navigate future career moves. Whether they seek advice or need a reference for a new job, this gesture shows empathy and reinforces that you're invested in their long-term success. It also provides them with a valuable resource as they embark on new opportunities.
Send a Card to Their New Office
Instead of the usual 'Thank you for your service' card, send a personalized good luck card for their new role.
Let them know you're thinking of them as they start this next chapter of their career. This thoughtful gesture can offer a pleasant surprise and provide reassurance during their transition, easing some first-day nerves. Acknowledging their new journey in a personal way shows continued support and helps maintain a positive connection.