How to measure recognition
How to find out whether people feel their work is noticed, with 6 survey questions to copy.
A recognition program can run for years without anyone knowing whether it works. Measuring it takes a few survey questions and a look at who is receiving recognition.
6 recognition questions for your survey
Use a 5-point agreement scale: strongly disagree to strongly agree.
4 signals to track
Who receives recognition
Count recognition by team, role and site. A program that reaches only some groups is not a program for everyone.
Who gives it
Check how many managers give recognition regularly. A few active managers often account for most of it.
How soon it arrives
Sample some messages. Is it given within a week of the work?
What the messages say
Read 20 messages. Do they say what the person did? If most say only "great job", managers need more guidance.
How to read the results
- Compare groups. A gap between teams shows where recognition is not reaching people.
- Read the written comments. They show what people value and what they find hollow.
- Look at change over time. Run the same questions every 6 to 12 months.
- Do not tie it to targets. Setting a target for recognition messages produces quantity, not quality.
Questions
How do you measure the success of a recognition program?
Ask people whether they feel recognized, check who receives recognition across teams and roles, and track the same questions over time.
What survey questions measure recognition?
Questions about whether people receive recognition, whether it is specific, whether it is timely and whether it is fair. The 6 above cover each.