We Are What We Repeatedly Do

Recognizing safe individual performance is a cornerstone of successful behavior based safety systems. Many books have been written about BBS and rewarding safe behaviors. Using minimum safety awards to recognize safety performance on a continuous basis has taken on a completely new understanding within safety professionals.  The days of handing out a safety award or bonus at the end of the year to those who have been lucky enough not to have had an accident have been replaced by simpler awards.

Employee recognition is not a new found business tool; it’s been around for a while.  Here’s an interesting quote about it:

“In the arena of human life the honors and rewards fall to those who show their good qualities in action”…  circa 350 BC…Aristotle

This sentiment certainly holds true for workers who perform in a safe manner. Something else that Aristotle said is very meaningful when it comes to behavior based safety:

Those of us who prioritize safety recognition understand the power of that recognition.  We know it’s not just a nice to have, it is a must have.  It reinforces the most important safety outcomes you want for your organization.

If your BBS recognition is becoming worn and tired consider kicking it up a notch and try some of the following today: 

• Plan to thank at least one person a day
• Take a small working group for a cup of coffee or lunch
• Handwrite a simple thank you note and give it to a worthy employee
• Ask and executive to stop by a person’s job or work space and thank them
• Accompany the verbal recognition with a small gift or gift card
• Present the recognition publicly if appropriate (be careful as some employees can feel uncomfortable with this type of recognition)
• Make your recognition random so that it provides an element of surprise

 And remember what Dale Carnegie said:

"People work for money but go the extra mile for recognition, praise and rewards."

For more information on AwardSafety products or services or other white papers please contact us at awardsafetyinfo@cox.net.