What are staff shout-outs?

Employee shout-outs are casual, informal recognition methods that call out an employee for something positive. It could be the quality of their work, their effort or anything else that calls for recognition. Staff shout-outs usually happen in a somewhat public format, but you can also keep them a little more private.

When to use employee shout outs

You can recognize your employees for a variety of reasons. Employee shout-outs don’t have to wait for a huge, record-breaking accomplishment. It could be something as simple as an employee staying late to help out another team. Some reasons to give staff shout-outs include:

• Outstanding performance
• Breaking a sales record
• Helping out when it’s not required
• Solving a problem for a client
• Keeping motivation high during a challenging project
• Embodying company values
• Stepping outside their comfort zones
• Getting promoted

Benefits of staff shout outs

Incorporating staff shout-outs into your employee recognition program can have a positive impact on you and your staff. Here are some potential benefits:

• Valued employees: People want to be recognized when they do something outstanding. Feeling valued can encourage your staff to stay with your company longer.
• Improved performance: Knowing that you notice and acknowledge hard work and accomplishments could be a motivator for some employees. If exceptional work constantly goes unnoticed, your team might feel frustrated or wonder why they should bother.
• Positive atmosphere: An attitude of appreciation toward your employees can create a positive work environment, which can keep employees happier. It might also encourage team members to give each other shout-outs, potentially creating stronger bonds.
• Affordability: Giving staff shout-outs is an affordable, easy-to-manage way to show appreciation for your team.

Shout out examples for the workplace

A verbal shout-out when you notice an employee doing something exceptional can be an effective option. However, you might want to make it a little more official or have a more structured way of handing out praise. This can help with consistency. These shout-out examples can give you ideas that you can implement in your workplace.

Employee shout-out board

Posting written staff shout-outs on a board makes them last longer and gives everyone a chance to see them. Choose a bulletin board or spot on the wall that’s highly visible. You can do a shout-out board for just your department or for the entire company. Add a colorful background, heading and border to make the display stand out.

When you want to give someone a shout-out, you can write the reason on a cutout and post it on the board. You might read the shout-out in front of the group and then post it on the board for continued recognition. If you want to encourage all team members to contribute to the shout-outs, you can encourage them to write their own recognition cards and post them. When the board gets full, remove some of the older shout-outs and give the cards to the employees.

Meeting shout outs

If you hold regular planned meetings, set aside time for staff shout-outs. This could be a good way to kick off each meeting on a positive note. You can announce your shout-outs and then turn over the floor to other meeting attendees who want to recognize coworkers. Keep the shout-out portion short and sweet to keep the meeting on schedule.

Social media recognition

Using social media can make your shout-outs a little more public. You might post a picture of the employee you’re recognizing, along with what they did to earn praise. Make sure the employee you’re recognizing is okay with their image and name being posted online. Some people prefer to stay off social media.

This option could give you extra benefits. When the public sees you recognizing your employees, they develop a positive impression of your business. It could even help you attract more applicants who want to work for a company that appreciates its workers.

Employee newsletter

If you already have an employee newsletter or regular email that you send out, add an employee shout-out section to it. This lets you put the details in print and distribute it to the whole company. You can include a little blurb about the person along with their photo.

Team management apps

Team management apps give you a centralized location for communication. Use that platform as a way to send your shout-outs. For example, you can create a dedicated channel that’s just for shout-outs. Establish expectations for how to use it, so everyone can contribute productively.

Personalized note

Some people prefer to keep praise quiet. They don’t like to be the center of attention, so a big announcement in front of the whole office might embarrass them. In those cases, a personalized, hand-written note could be the ideal solution. Plus, it gives them a little keepsake as a reminder of their job well done.

Best practices for employee shout-outs

With these best practices, you can make your shout-outs even more effective.

• Keep it timely: Praise is more meaningful when it happens shortly after the employee behavior or action. It’s fresh in their minds, and they get instant positive feedback about what they did. You can give informal shout-outs on the spot when you notice something. If you take a more formal approach, deliver the recognition as soon as possible.
• Recognize groups and individuals: Shout-outs can go to small groups, full teams or individuals. Look for noteworthy accomplishments, regardless of how many people they involve.
• Give shout-outs to all employees: Find ways to eventually recognize all your employees. The high achievers and more vocal employees often stand out and get lots of praise. But quieter team members and even people with lower productivity numbers still work hard to keep the company running smoothly.
• Involve employees: Recognition is more effective when it’s meaningful to employees. Having them shape your shout-out program can get them more excited about it. Ask for feedback or let them help plan the shout-out options.
• Identify big and small recognition reasons: You don’t have to wait for a huge win to offer a shout-out. Include smaller wins when you recognize employees, too. Find reasons from all areas of operation. For example, it’s easy to recognize big sales numbers, but your marketing and production teams also have a major role in your success.
• Encourage managers to get involved: Some managers are more likely than others to hand out praise. Encourage all managers to do staff shout-outs regularly to make them more consistent and to reach more employees.

FAQs about staff shout outs

How do you give a professional shout-out?

To keep staff shout-outs professional, focus on the specific accomplishments as they relate to work. Use recognition phrasing that uses appropriate language for the workplace and maintains a professional tone. Keeping the recipient’s personality in mind can also help. Some people like public appreciation, while others prefer private recognition.

What are some other examples of employee recognition?

In addition to employee shout-outs, you might give out awards, hold employee appreciation meals, pay out bonuses and give gifts. Some companies use recognition platforms where employees can earn points, which they can exchange for rewards. Offering extra time off can also be a welcome show of appreciation.

How often should you do employee shout-outs?

Showing appreciation for your employees doesn’t need to happen like clockwork on a regular schedule. While you should get in the habit of recognizing good work regularly, it’s often more genuine and effective when it’s organic and in the moment. If you notice something worthy of recognition, give the employee a shout-out.