Sometimes, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that because employee recognition programs and practices are such great things to instil properly in the workplace, they can solve all ills, HR woes and people problems.

Unfortunately, practicing positive recognition in the workplace and using recognition programs better and more effectively, will not solve world hunger, stop wars or bring peace and unity to the world.

That’s why I get concerned when I hear people say things like recognition can help your organization reduce absenteeism.

Recognition is typically an intangible expression of acknowledgement and valuing of an individual or team.

What you can recognize are people’s positive behaviours, their personal effort towards something or great contributions they have made.

You don’t recognize people’s genuine or chosen problems.

Here are some examples of what employee recognition cannot do. (more…)