Musings from the CU Suite

Written by Anthony Demangone

"When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them."
--Chinese Proverb

Gratitude is a path to serenity. It is a basic component of happiness and contentment. 

It is good business?

Yes.  A thousand times yes. 

A study released by Bersen and Associates shows that companies with strong employee recognition programs are more successful.  Much more successful.

That research found that in organizations where recognition occurs, employee engagement, productivity and customer service are about 14 percent better than in those where recognition does not occur. 

 

“Nearly 80 percent of organizations unfortunately focus on ad-hoc or tenure-based recognition programs that fail to reinforce consistent messages or make a strategic impact,” said Stacia Sherman Garr, Principal Analyst, Performance Management, Bersin & Associates, and author of the research. “Used correctly, employee recognition is an important talent management tool that can help guide employee performance, maintain increased employee engagement, reduce employee turnover, and ultimately drive business performance.” 

The article touches on the best practices of employee recognition.  I'll leave you to read the article and mine those gems.  But for today, I thought it was enough to simply show the power of a genuine "thank you." 

With that in mind, I'd like to thank all of you.  NAFCU is a rewarding place to work, with wonderful colleagues and a group of fantastic members.  You all do wonderful work - helping people improve their financial lives, which allows them to unlock their true potential in other areas. It is an honor to serve you.

Until next week, enjoy the holidays. May your team win. May the turkey be moist. May the dinner conversation be inspiring. And may your heart be filled with gratitude.

Thanks, guys. 

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I'll be in Page, Arizona for Thanksgiving, visiting my brother Mike and his family. I'm thankful for, and proud of, my big brother. (And my other siblings as well.)