Recognize the Efforts of Public Servants This Month and Always
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The prompt for this round of the FEDforum is team morale. This week, hear from National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) National President Ken Thomas.
Amid the pandemic and the unprecedented challenges this past year, civil servants have displayed resilience and dedication to their work. They have helped research and find treatments for the coronavirus, and they’ve supported our small businesses, schools, national parks and infrastructure. These workers appreciate sincere recognition from their managers, supervisors, colleagues and community members.
NARFE has partnered with Federal News Network to provide a grateful nation with an opportunity to say “thank you” to civil servants for their service. As part of the 2022 May We Say Thank You initiative, you can send a free e-card to a friend or colleague who you feel exemplifies outstanding commitment to public service.
Saying thanks for a job well done is important. Employee recognition is sometimes scarce because managers or supervisors think too narrowly about what people will find rewarding and what constitutes true recognition. They don’t always know how to provide employee recognition effectively, assuming that one size fits all. But it’s worthwhile to learn how to give positive feedback; when employees feel valued at work, it increases engagement, productivity and loyalty. Employees who feel appreciated are happier and more productive. Recognition shows employees that they are valued and they are not invisible.
Managers and supervisors should create goals and action plans for employee recognition. Acknowledge the actions, behaviors, approaches and accomplishments that you know will make your organization more productive and efficient. When an individual performs positively, provide recognition immediately, and be specific. Make sure that fairness, clarity and consistency are prioritized in employee recognition. Employees need to see that each person who makes a similar contribution has an equal likelihood of receiving recognition for their efforts.
Remember, it’s not necessary to wait until May to honor the dedicated employees of federal, state, county and local governments. Don’t miss your opportunity to thank civil servants for their service, not only this month, but all year long.
To send an e-card today, visit https://federalnewsnetwork.com/partners-events/may-we-say-thank-you-2022-campaign/.
To learn more about how NARFE: Federal Benefits Experts supports federal employees and retirees, visit narfe.org/join.
This column from the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association is a part of the FEDforum, an initiative to unite voices across the federal community. The FEDforum is a space for federal employee groups to share their organizations’ initiatives and activities with the FEDmanager audience.
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