“Everyone counts.”  - Dr. W. Edwards Deming

Background Information and Research
Renowned continuous improvement advocate W. Edwards Deming once said that the single aim of one of his most famous works – the 14 Points – is "to make it possible for people to work with joy." For many employees, no matter where they work, that "joy" comes from feeling valued and being recognized and praised for a job well done – especially if by your manager or supervisor.

Interestingly, Deming's teachings consistently position managers as critical to whether or not employees experience such "joy." Deming often emphasized that the most successful organizations are those with managers who recognize that every employee has an impact on the organization's outcomes, acknowledge and celebrate the different abilities and aspirations of individuals, and praise and reward employees for doing their best.
 
Many other scholars and consultants have proven the same theories. Employee recognition is critical to motivating, satisfying, and retaining employees. And, as a manager, you have the opportunity to directly influence how your employees feel about their work and themselves as part of the Hopkins family.

Recognition is something that you can do, and should do, everyday, not just on special occasions. It doesn’t have to cost money or take a lot of time. A simple "thank you" is often all that is required. In fact, a study of 1,500 employees conducted by management consultant Bob Nelson, author of the best seller 1001 Ways to Reward Employees, reported that receiving personal congratulations from a manager ranked first out of 67 potential sought-after incentives.

Workforce shortages have forced us all to look at ways to better satisfy and retain employees. But, in our journey to becoming a Best Place to Work, simple and frequent praise and recognition must be a part of our norms.

Resources Available to You
Many of you already do a great job of recognizing your employees. Results of the employee satisfaction surveys have demonstrated this in specific departments and work groups. But, we can all use a little help along the way and aim to do better.

There are a variety of resources that can assist you in easily, and cost-effectively, recognizing your employees, including:

- 1001 Ways to Reward Employees (Bob Nelson, www.nelson-motivation.com)
- "Pocket Praise" Thank You Cards (www.baudville.com, #72809)
- Manager’s Tips & Tools on Recognition (www.hopkinsmedicine.org/service/resources/managerstips.html)

Catch a Shining Star Recognition Program
For your employees whose performance deserves more than a simple "thanks," you can nominate them in the Catch a Shining Star program. Catch a Shining Star is Hopkins Medicine’s Service Excellence reward and recognition program, designed to acknowledge employees who demonstrate outstanding Service Excellence and inspire others to do their best. Managers and colleagues are encouraged to nominate employees who truly represent ideals in customer service and deliver outstanding performance above and beyond the call of duty. All nominated employees receive notification that they were nominated, and by whom, and are then eligible to be selected as quarterly and annual award winners, with cash prizes and organization-wide recognition.

The Catch a Shining Star nomination form, as well as additional employee recognition and reward information and resources, is available online at www.hopkinsmedicine.org/service.