Highlight individual accomplishments on company-approved social media sites. So often, companies share information that is primarily centered around the happenings of the organization and its products and services. Get personal! Assuming this is allowed through company policy, tag the employee’s personal accounts so they are able to share their accolades with friends and family. The ripple effect of others close to them being able to further cheer them on will be a major hit. Some companies have internal network channels that function similarly to popular social media sites. Praises lauded through these means also win points.
Did you know that when we hear something positive, our brain releases the chemical dopamine, which is associated with feeling joy, pride, satisfaction and well-being?
Research from Gallup found that only one in three workers in the U.S. strongly agree that they received recognition or praise for doing good work in the past seven days. Further, employees who do not feel adequately recognized at work are twice as likely to say they'll quit their job in the next year. Imagine the impact showing just a little recognition and appreciation can have on your team’s engagement and loyalty levels!
While it’s always nice to hear verbal praise from your boss, sometimes receiving it in a different way can have a distinct impact. Imagine your employee’s delight in being publicly praised on your company’s social media channels for landing that big client, completing the complex implementation project, or receiving outstanding customer service marks! On a side note, be sure to be cognizant of any employees who might be uncomfortable with public accolades and find other ways to cheer them on.
This week, I challenge you to check with your human resources or legal department (or your executive team if you’re a smaller organization without a formal HR or legal team) on your social media policies to see what is permissible to post. Start being intentional about keeping an eye out for achievements and accomplishments from your team members that you can post about. Do some recon and find your employee’s social media links you so can easily tag them and spread the Cheer Leadership™!
FUN FACT: The first recognizable social media site, Six Degrees, was created in 1997. It enabled users to upload a profile and make friends with other users. In 1999, the first blogging sites became popular, creating a social media sensation that’s still popular today.