by Jared Jeannotte

Created on: December 07, 2008   Last Updated: December 20, 2008

Complaints in the workplace have always been twofold, and consist of money and recognition. Granted, many people go to work every day to bring home that all important paycheck. But is that paycheck alone worth the effort of grinding away more than 40 hours a week? Is that all there is? No. People strive to better themselves, to gain recognition in the workplace. Whether it is to the boss, co-workers or the world, every person wants to be recognized for the work that they strive to do every day. Yes, people are paid to do a job. But what is it that sets an employee apart from the others? It is the amount of effort, time and quality that is put into the product.

It is common these days that a company has some sort of employee recognition program, some way of trying to motivate its employees to work harder, give that extra ounce if you will. Employee of the month, highest sales, most improved are all titles on signs and plaques that can be seen in the lounge or office of many Americans. Employees will remember that title, remember that warm feeling as they are announced as one of the elite.

That feeling, that appreciation makes any job more bearable to an employee. Any employee who works for a business for any length of time has had the thought that the work they do, regardless of whether it is or isn't, should be recognized. This fact remains regardless of pay. The knowledge that the work they do is not only valued to the consumer, but to co-workers and management will help keep that employee productive. Almost any employee appreciates a compliment on his or her work, that the work they are doing is being valued by the employer.

There are many careers available that base their entire rating system on recognition. The most notorious of these would be the recent Presidential election. Politicians strive to become recognized, known and our votes are how they are judged. Without recognition, their careers would not exist. Running close behind would be actors, musicians, athletes and even corporations. Without recognition in the workplace, merit raises, bonuses and commissions would not exist.

We all work for many reasons, mostly because we have to. There are a lucky few out there who work in fields they love and areas that don't have many monetary gains. The reason they persist, keep writing these articles on helium is for the appreciation they feel when they are recognized by their peers. Are you here for the money?

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