Sending weekly recognition to colleagues is important because it reinforces a positive, high-performing work culture and helps build strong interpersonal relationships. Sending weekly recognition is valuable because of the following reasons:
- Boosts motivation and engagement: frequent recognition reminds people that their efforts are seen and appreciated which makes them more engaged, productive and loyal.
- Reinforces positive behaviour: Weekly recognition highlights what has been done well and it encourages repetition of productive, helpful, or collaborative behaviours.
- Builds psychological safety: When peers regularly express appreciation, trust and openness increase and they feel more comfortable sharing ideas, asking for help, and admitting mistakes.
- Improves team culture and morale: Recognition strengthens social bonds and a sense of community as it helps to reduce workplace negativity or isolation.
Supports continuous feedback: Weekly recognition acts as informal, real-time feedback that complements formal reviews and helps people grow continuously, not just once or twice a year.
Why is it important to create a workflow for sending claps?
Many times we are so busy with our daily tasks that we forget to provide recognition to our colleagues during the week and on occasions when the time of sending claps arrives we do not remember for what or to whom we should send recognition to.
A simple way to solve this problem is by creating a small system that helps us remember and capture those valuable moments. Below you will find a workflow for sending claps:
1 Create a tracking sheet
Use a tool you check every day and where it is easy for you to write things down. Some options could be:
- A notes app.
- A draft email.
- A blank page in your text editor.
- A note in your task manager
In this sheet, write down the names of the main people you work with each week. If you can add a picture or avatar for each one, even better as it will help you to recall them more easily.
2 Check your sheet daily
Review this sheet at least once a day, you can do it either at the start of your workday or before finishing up your day. When you see the name or photo of each person, ask yourself the following question:
Is there something that this person did well recently that I want to recognize?
If the answer is yes, write it down under their name.
3 Friday comes…and your claps are ready
On Friday, when the moment to send claps arrives, all you need to do is copy and paste the notes that you have written down throughout the week.
💡Take a moment to think if there’s anyone outside the list to whom you would like to send claps to.
What are the benefits of this process?
Following this process will provide the following benefits:
- Fair and meaningful recognition: You are acknowledging people for specific actions that actually happened - not just last-minute thoughts.
- Stronger relationships at work: You will build better rapport, trust, and improve how your colleagues see you.
- Positive impact: Your claps could make someone’s Monday brighter, more motivated, and appreciated.
- Creates a ripple effect: By building this habit, you encourage others to do the same and you will be more likely to receive claps too.
- If you are a manager: You will ensure no one is left out and help promote a consistent culture of appreciation across the team.