The Positive Effects of Recognition and Its Pitfalls
When a team member excels or achieves their goal, positive recognition has a beneficial effect as it makes them feel that their efforts are appreciated. However, according to the study Tendencias del entorno laboral en México, 2024 by Kelly, 20% of employees in Mexico would quit their jobs if they receive little to no recognition. Simply saying “good job” does not create a positive effect, as there is no depth to it. Instead, when giving recognition, it’s essential to highlight the effort and progress made.
According to Melhina Magaña, CEO of Daucon, “If recognition is well-structured, the person will produce dopamine and a neurochemical reaction associated with pleasure.”
Avoiding Toxic Rivalry
Despite the positive impact of recognition, it often leads to negative rivalry among colleagues or other departments. Sandra Alarcón, founder of Nube Nueve, mentions that work environments frequently have high levels of envy and unhealthy competition.
Misguided comparisons, such as those between colleagues, generate cortisol—a neurochemical linked to stress. Additionally, they create feelings of injustice and invalidation.
Recognition Across Generations
Before offering recognition, leaders should be aware that most people feel more comfortable being recognized privately, through email or in person.
“Leaders should find ways that employees prefer to be recognized, as it varies between generations. Recognizing someone born in 1970 differs from new generations,” adds Sandra Alarcón.
Experts mention that people under 40 prefer immediate recognition and more detailed feedback. Melhina explains that newer generations are accustomed to immediacy due to the exponential advancement of internet and technology.
Tips for Giving Recognition
For a leader to give individual recognition, they should do so in a private setting to avoid the team perceiving favoritism.
However, when recognizing a team, the leader should highlight each member’s contributions and encourage peer-to-peer recognition to foster camaraderie and avoid toxic rivalry, recommends Sandra Alarcón.
In all situations, comparisons should be avoided or speaking negatively about others, as it creates toxic rivalry and demotivation. Maintaining a balance in giving recognition is crucial; too little leads to demotivation, while frequent recognition can create a toxic environment and excessive validation needs.
“We become addicted to recognition, but it should be given for extraordinary actions or efforts with tangible results, not for the mundane,” says Melhina Magaña.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the benefits of workplace recognition? Positive recognition makes employees feel appreciated for their efforts, boosting morale and motivation.
- What are the pitfalls of recognition? If not structured properly, it can lead to envy and toxic rivalry among colleagues.
- How can leaders avoid toxic rivalry through recognition? Leaders should recognize individual efforts privately and encourage peer-to-peer recognition within teams.
- How do different generations prefer recognition? Those under 40 generally prefer immediate feedback and recognition, while older generations may appreciate more traditional methods.
- What is the balance in giving recognition? Too little can lead to demotivation, while excessive recognition can create a toxic environment and foster validation addiction.
