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Category: ENGAGEMENT & APPRECIATION

Employee productivity increases when employees feel valued and engaged in their work. Free of stress, happy, and appreciated, employees will work harder and yield greater output. While benefits, compensation, and job growth may be important long term, day-to-day happiness correlates more strongly to regular employee recognition. Communicate frequently with team members to show your respect and appreciation of their contributions.

Workplace Engagement – how do you get people engaged?

Workplace Engagement – how do you get people engaged?

I’ve been following a wonderful discussion on LinkedIN about workplace engagement. The focus of the conversation has been about how to get employees engaged. Following is my synopsis and organization of that very rich dialogue. I may not have captured every contributor’s direct words, bu... Read More
Create a Fun Office for under $100

Create a Fun Office for under $100

Who doesn’t want to work in an office as fun as Google? With their conference bikes, huge slides that carry people from one floor to another, ping pong and pool tables, scooters, and funky décor, we hold Google up as the model of a fun workplace. Unfortunately, we all don’t have Google-sized bu... Read More
It’s not about the Nail – men and women communicate differently

It’s not about the Nail – men and women communicate differently

When the book Men are from Mars, first came out, I remember being fascinated by these predictable differences between men and women, how they communicate, and how they approach problems. In keeping with that theme, this video made me laugh out loud.... Read More
Ron Gutman and the Hidden Power of Smiling

Ron Gutman and the Hidden Power of Smiling

Over 25 years ago, I joined the circus as a clown and did my best to make people smile and laugh. About 5 years ago, my dad and then business partner wrote an article about the benefits of smiling. In 2013, I launched Office Oxygen, so that people could smile more at work! So, when… Read More
Killing Creativity

Killing Creativity

Kim Marshall who edits the Marshall Memo, summarized this great article from Psychology Today that explains how we currently sabotage creativity and what we might do differently to let it blossom. ‘Habit, teachers, and even our best intentions often act as stealth saboteurs of ingenuity,” sa... Read More
Stress Management: Worriers vs. Warriors

Stress Management: Worriers vs. Warriors

I come from a “type-A” family with lots of over-achievers.  So, when I came across this article, I shared it with my sisters.  An interesting conversation ensued about how each of us manages stress. For me, I think a little stress is motivating.  Where do you fall in the spectrum? Tha... Read More
Things we can learn from dogs

Things we can learn from dogs

I know this has circulated broadly over the internet but it’s really a great reminder about how we should live. For me, it’s up there with “Everything you need to know in life you learned in kindergarten.” If we do all these things, I think we’ll learn more and be happi... Read More
How to reward students to get results

How to reward students to get results

I’ve been doing some research lately on how to make work more fun and rewarding. I realize that teachers and trainers think a great deal about incentives. But these are also great lessons for any work environment! The Marshall Memo synthesized this Education Week article by Sarah Sparks who re... Read More
Presenting – Training – Facilitating

Presenting – Training – Facilitating

For a long time, I’ve been aware that Trainers don’t consider themselves Presenters. Whenever Trainers Warehouse tried to sell “presentation” products, our customers were clearly not into them.  These days, as I’ve been attending a handful of conferences, I recognize t... Read More
The Value and ROI in Employee Recognition

The Value and ROI in Employee Recognition

I came across this joint report by the Human Capital Institute, FORUM for People Performance Management and Measurement, and IRF Incentive Research Foundation, which examines the correlation between employee recognition and improved job performance. Among the facts highlighted, this one stood out to... Read More

Employee Engagement and Motivation

Employee engagement and motivation are crucial aspects of any successful organization. They go hand in hand to foster a productive and positive work environment, leading to increased performance and employee satisfaction. Engaged employees are typically more enthusiastic, dedicated, and aligned with the company's goals. They are more likely to go the extra mile, be proactive, and actively contribute to the organization's growth. Engaged employees also tend to have better relationships with their colleagues and managers, leading to a more cohesive and collaborative workplace. Those receiving ample employee recognition also tend to exhibit higher levels of creativity and innovation, seeking opportunities for self-improvement and career advancement.

Beyond Tokens of Appreciation

In addition to maximizing employee recognition and motivation, successful work environments (a.k.a. WorkSMART organizations) help their teams excel by equipping them with critical tools and resources. These may not be the staples that you'll find in an office supply store, but their equally important, as they:
  • Promote the development of positive, trusting relationships.
  • Occupy fidget fingers and wandering attention.
  • Strengthen team communication and listening skills, time management, leadership, and project oversight.
The WorkSMART blog by Trainers Warehouse curates thousands of tools, tips, research, games, exercises, and activities to maximize organizational effectiveness. All of the ideas in the blog are complimentary.

If you're looking to purchase consultant-grade tools to implement the ideas found in this blog, shop online at TRAINERSwarehouse.com