The SHRM/Globoforce survey conducted that 89% of the HR professionals agreed on keeping the feedback session as one of the most vital reasons behind an organization’s success.
Employee feedback is important for employees to better understand how their manager views their work. They also learn what they are doing well and where they can improve.
Although constructive or negative feedback allows the employees to improve themselves, nothing works better than positive feedback. It not only increases employees’ morale but also gives them a sense of purpose at work.
What is Positive Feedback?
Positive feedback is focused on the employee’s strengths and accomplishments. When you give positive feedback to employees, you acknowledge and appreciate their work and encourage them to continue doing it.
On the other hand, constructive or negative feedback focuses on what they did wrong or where they need to improve.
This article discusses the importance of positive feedback and how and when to give positive employee feedback to make your workplace a more productive work environment. We have also included 24 positive feedback examples.
Importance of Giving Positive Feedback to Your Employees
Positive feedback is a powerful and effective tool to help your team feel motivated and engaged in their work.
Dr. Marcial Losada, an organizational psychologist, in her research, discovered that the ratio of positive and negative feedback in high-performing teams was around 6 to 1. It means that for every negative review received, an average employee ideally needs six positive pieces of feedback.
Gallup researchers discovered that using positive feedback to build employees’ strengths is better than focusing on their weaknesses.
The right mix of positive feedback and constructive criticism can make the employees feel proud of their accomplishments while understanding their areas of improvement.
However, most managers take their employees’ good performance for granted or mostly give constructive feedback focusing on improving their skills.
What are the Benefits of Positive Employee Feedback?
Mixing positive feedback with criticism is important for many reasons! Let’s look at why positive employee feedback is necessary and what its benefits are:
Improved Performance
Feedback is important for enhancing employee performance. According to a study by Western Michigan University, it is believed that a 20% increase in employee performance was noted after a positive feedback session.
If your employees have an improvement in their performance, it is also going to affect their productivity! A study by Gallup concluded that feedback-focused managers could produce 12.5% more than managers who didn’t conduct feedback sessions regularly.
Happier Workforce
Where there’s happiness, there’s a positive change! Everyone feels noticed and valued at work when they are appreciated. The atmosphere becomes more positive since you tell your employees that their hard work is seen!
When you have a happier workforce, you have more chances of improved relationships with your teammates. The feedback culture nurtures a positive communication channel between the manager and the team. It helps in conflict resolution and reduces miscommunication.
Improved Employee Value Proposition
The EVP is a monetary or non-monetary benefit given to employees to appreciate their hard work in the organization. It is known to create stellar employer branding and boost employee engagement!
Increasing your employee engagement is necessary to keep your employees engaged. In fact, Gallup’s research stated that 98% of employees failed to keep themselves engaged at work when managers didn’t provide enough feedback. Hence, including feedback in your workforce for increasing employee engagement is vital!
Today’s generation of millennials want a regular feedback session – it doesn’t matter if it’s positive or negative! So, ensure that you provide them with enough of what they want.
24 Positive Employee Feedback Ideas and Examples
Giving feedback to team members shouldn’t be an intimidating process. Here are some common scenarios where and how you could provide positive employee feedback.
Employee Works Overtime:
Robert has worked overtime to meet the client’s needs. He has done this with a positive attitude. Here’s what you can say: “It has been a busy week. Thanks for staying late and putting in the extra effort to meet the client’s demands. I want you to know that you are a valuable member, and the team appreciates your positive attitude, which has helped us stay motivated.”
Employee Takes Up Additional Tasks Outside of Their Role:
Other than his responsibilities, Raymond arranges events for his teammates. These extra activities boost company morale. Here’s what you can say: “Hey, Raymond! Great work at organizing the team-building activities. Everyone has so much fun at your events. If you need help with any of your events in the future, please let me know.”
Employee Submits High-Quality Work:
Rebecca not only finishes her work on time, but also delivers high-quality work every time. Here’s what you can say: “Rebecca, your work looks great! You care about your work, and it shows. I’m excited to see what you do next.”
Employee Contributes to Meetings:
Ryan has been sharing new ideas during meetings that are helpful for the team. Here’s what you can say: “Thanks for your contributions during the meetings, Ryan. Your ideas are well-researched and can help us move forward in our process. Keep up the good work.”
Employee Needs a Boost in Morale:
You noticed that Ruth has been lacking in confidence lately. Here’s what you can say: “Hey, Ruth! You’ve grown so much since you started here, and I am happy with the progress you have shown. Thank you for your hard work. If you need help with anything, please don’t hesitate to let me know.”
Employee Finishes a Challenging Project:
Rachel has struggled to complete a new task while maintaining a positive attitude. Here’s what you can say: “I’m glad to see your determination to complete this project, Rachel. It wasn’t easy, but you did it. Your attitude makes it evident that you can take up new challenges and grow with the company. Keep up the good work.”
An Employee Handles New Responsibilities Efficiently:
Ray recently got promoted, and he is handling his new responsibilities really well. Here’s what you can say: “You deserve the promotion. I am happy to see you challenging yourself and handling your new job responsibility quite efficiently. Your hard work has paid off before and will definitely pay off in the future.”
An Employee Helps Their Coworker(s):
Rose has been helping the new intern, Rico, with his training. She has been clarifying all his doubts and helping him feel comfortable in his new role. Here’s what you can say: “Thanks to you, Rico has really come up the learning curve. You have given him a great start. I have taken note of your training skills and will definitely keep you in mind for future projects.”
Employee Takes Initiative:
Richard went above and beyond his work responsibility to review an invoice proactively. He took an initiative that helped his company save time and money. Here’s what you can say: “I am happy to know that you took it upon yourself to review an invoice that seemed inaccurate to you. You also called the supplier and had the mistake rectified. Thanks for taking the initiative, Richard. It has helped save a lot of our time and money. Good work!”
An Employee Reaches or Surpasses a Goal:
Rick has worked diligently to meet his goals. He not only managed to meet his goals but also overachieved his targets and made his team look good for that quarter. Here’s what you can say: “I saw your report on your sales figures for this week. You’ve exceeded your goal by 30%! You have contributed big towards our departmental goal. Great work! I would love to know how you did it. Did you do something different this week?”
Employee Handles Conflict:
During a meeting, the conflict that arose due to the attendees’ differences in opinions was handled quite efficiently by Rio. Here’s what you can say: “You did great at handling that conflict that arose during the meeting yesterday afternoon. We would have been facing a standstill if it hadn’t been for you.”
Employee Receives Positive Customer Reviews:
Rosemary walked the extra mile to help a customer. The customer rewarded her with an excellent customer review. Here’s what you can say: “Rosemary, I saw the positive review you received from a customer last week. You really walked the extra mile to ensure a good customer experience. You did us proud. Keep up the good work.”
Employee Collaborates Across Teams Efficiently:
Regina had to work with other departments on a high-priority project. She effectively collaborates across teams, bringing fresh suggestions and ideas to the table. Here’s what you can say: “I have noticed your ability to work across departments and teams; it’s a strength not everyone has. I’m impressed with how you handled people with different personalities to bring out the best ideas from them. Keep up the good work.”
Employee Puts the Team Above Themselves:
Last week, you noticed Marie helping Diana edit the client video, even if that took her a significant amount of time. She continues to keep the team above herself. Here’s what you can say: “I observed you help the team whenever they need you. You are an inspiration to the entire team. I appreciate the way you look forward to helping others!”
Employee Displays Their Problem-Solving Skills:
Gina had to come up with some creative campaigns that were some of the hardest to figure out, yet she managed to solve creative problems and showcase her problem-solving abilities at her best. Here’s what you can say: “The previous project was tough for everyone, yet you managed to help the team come up with the best results. It shows your commitment to your work and the team, which I appreciate!”
Employee Sets a Great Example for The Team:
You noticed Jose using the software you introduced the team to last week. He has continuously incorporated new methods into his work and set an example for the team. Here’s what you can say: “Thank you for supporting new development and leading a good example for others.”
Employee Develops a New Skill:
John went out of his way and tried to develop a new skill that wasn’t even a part of his job. Here’s what you can say: “Your curiosity to learn new things for your own development is a sign of a great employee! I can’t wait to see what these new skills will help you and the organization in the upcoming months.”
Employee Shares a Good Idea:
Andy proposed some project changes that resulted in fantastic outcomes! Here’s what you can say: “Your out-of-the-box ideas gave new life to the project. I appreciate you bringing forward new concepts.”
Employee Has an Amazing Attendance:
Fiona had an amazing attendance record for the past few months with no unnecessary leaves. Here’s what you can say: “Your daily presence at work is valued. Thank you for bringing your passion and enthusiasm to the workplace!”
Employee is Positively Accepting Change at Work:
Recently, you made a change in the system, management or software and noticed your team positively accepting and adapting to it. Here’s what you can say: “The last few weeks haven’t been easy with all of the changes, but you all have been mature and understanding towards the change! Thank you because your calmness helps in getting the work done effectively.”
Employee Shows Admirable Qualities:
You noticed Phoebe showing great qualities that align with your organization’s values. Here’s what you can say: “Your resourcefulness, patience and politeness helped us deal with the client. I appreciate your values and the work you do!”
Employee Receives Praise from a Teammate:
You heard from Derek that one of your team members is a positive and charming person to work with. Here’s what you can say: “I heard that you are an interesting person to work with! Thank you for bringing the positivity and charm to the office.”
Employee Contributes to the Company’s Culture:
Sasha took it as her responsibility to encourage the entire office during remote work by organizing virtual social hours that helped office people connect. Her involvement in making everyone have a conversation contributed to a positive impact. Here’s what you can say: “Everyone needed to be involved in the remote working environment, and I appreciate how you are contributing to the company culture.”
Employee Went Beyond to Deliver Exceptional Work:
You noticed Nathan going the extra mile to boost his teammates’ morale. Here’s what you can say: “That’s amazing how you go beyond for your colleagues! Thank you for organizing events to boost everyone’s spirits.”
How to Give Positive Feedback?
Giving positive feedback isn’t simply saying, “Well done” or “Great job!” If you want your employees to learn and grow from your positive feedback, you should ensure that it is meaningful and productive and has the ability to reinforce their positive behavior.
Make sure that your feedback is always:
Timely
You don’t need to schedule a meeting or wait for a performance review to give feedback. Give it on time while in the moment.
Genuine
Give positive feedback only when you have a solid reason to back it up. It should be direct enough that the person can take action on the feedback you provide them.
Focused on effort
The feedback has to be based on the effort (what they did) and not on their personality traits (what they are like).
Personalized
Get to know your employees and their preferences, and then customize your positive feedback to each of your employees.
Specific
According to Gallup, employees learn and grow faster when they receive feedback on a specific thing. Avoid vague praises; rather, keep your feedback clear and to the point.
Show them the bigger picture
Let your employees know how their achievements will help others and the company’s bottom line.
Make it special
Amplify the feedback with a meaningful gesture to make it even more powerful. Celebrate it with a cup of coffee or gift a box of candies.
Maintain proper body language
While giving positive feedback, maintain eye contact with appropriate hand gestures and facial expressions.
Tone and Language
Sometimes, what you say does not matter more than how you say it! Always use an empathetic tone and polite language to create impactful feedback.
Never Overdo
Only give the employee appreciation if they have performed enough to earn it! Make it special and noteworthy, but not too much.
Keep the Balance
As much as constructive criticism is necessary for every employee’s growth, appreciating them whenever they deserve it is also necessary to keep them happy. Positive feedback keeps everyone motivated to continue doing what they are good at. It creates a good environment and helps them think about the company. So, keep the balance between the two!
