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Kate Bachman Kate Bachman
Senior Editor

Plug Into the Power of Recognition

August 30, 2024
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In its rawest, most original form, “recognition” means to acknowledge the existence or validity of someone or something. Recognition signifies importance. Babies recognize their mothers by two months, usually as the significant persons who fulfill their needs.  

It’s no secret that in today’s search for a hard-working, skilled workforce, manufacturing leaders seek successful strategies to attract and retain top performers, from offering new perks and better wages to flexible schedules.

“But in their search for new ideas and approaches, organizations could be overlooking one of the most easily executed strategies: employee recognition,” offers Gallup, which it calls “low cost; high impact.”

Workplace recognition provides a sense of accomplishment. It assures employees that their work and efforts matter. The acknowledgment makes them feel valued and supported—then motivated to continue their efforts and remain engaged.

Missed Opportunity

According to Gallup’s analysis, only one in three U.S. workers say that they have received recognition or praise for doing good work in the past week. Many employees believe that their best efforts are routinely ignored. According to the analyst company, those personnel are twice as likely to say that they’ll quit in the next year. Conversely, employees who feel that their efforts have been recognized are more loyal to the company, leading to higher retention.

The benefits to employers are numerous. According to Awardco, employee recognition leads to 81% lower absenteeism, lower turnover, a significant increase in productivity and decrease in defects—and a 23% increase in profitability. The attention to good work reinforces a manufacturing company’s goals by showing other employees what it values and rewards. 

Public Recognition is No. 1

When asked what types of recognition were the most memorable, respondents emphasized that what they value most is public recognition, Gallup reports.

The Precision Metalforming Association and Women in Manufacturing Association offer a means for metal formers and fabricators to publicly recognize and honor exemplary female manufacturing personnel with the 2024 Women of Excellence in Metal Forming and Fabricating awards program.

The awards honor female achievers from the shop floor to the top floor, from manufacturers, suppliers to the industry and educational institutions. The honorees are revealed and highlighted in a special section of the December issue of MetalForming magazine. 

We invite company owners, managers, supervisors, staff members and co-workers to nominate their owners, managers, supervisors, staff members and co-workers whom they believe deserve limelight for the caliber of their work, manner of handling a project, influence on company development or growth, or any type of outstanding achievement that has benefitted company members or the company as a whole. 

Standouts Who Stood Out to Me

Last year was the first time I had the pleasure and opportunity to evaluate the Women of Excellence submissions. Nominees included company presidents, managers, production directors, engineers, product managers, customer service, welders, material handlers, accountants, machine operators, account reps and quality engineers. Most had progressed through the ranks by virtue of their hard work and demonstrated competence.

I was very impressed with the women nominees, and hugely inspired. So many women had achieved so much for their companies and fellow employees. They solved problems and inspired and encouraged others. Demonstrated unwavering commitment. Exhibited excellence in everything they did.

Nominators’ statements spoke volumes: 

“Her impact upon our day-to-day operations has been nothing less than amazing;” “Her contribution to the company’s growth and success of the past 20-plus yr. cannot be overstated;” “She represents a very refreshing and needed change in manufacturing.” 

They voiced words and phrases such as “dynamic,” “boundless creativity” and “unwavering positive attitude” … of “diligence,” visionary leadership,” “unmatched expertise” and “unyielding work ethic.”

“Each and every day she takes on responsibilities and makes things happen.”

“She exemplifies the qualities of a true people leader.” 

“Turns seemingly insurmountable tasks into achievable milestones.”

Submit Your Nomination Today

We, the editorial staff at MetalForming, review the entries in evaluation of the applicants’ qualifications for the award. Applications should describe exemplary work, achievements and ongoing contributions to company success. Selection preference will be given to those with longstanding contributions and significant influence for positive outcomes. To nominate, you can complete this form. The deadline for nominations is Monday, Oct. 14.

I can’t wait to be inspired again. MF

Industry-Related Terms: Form, Forming, Forming
View Glossary of Metalforming Terms

Technologies: Management

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