Publication:Sea Talk Spring 2004/It's about reward and recognition
by WO Matthew Ferguson, CWO NSC
ADF Exit Surveys have indicated that a lack of reward and recognition for individual contributions is something that is negatively influencing job satisfaction.
Whilst reward and recognition may only be one small influence on job satisfaction, it is clearly important, and one which we should be able to do something about.
Systems Command Headquarters has been investigating ways in which those individuals and teams within the Command that make the extra effort to make their unit and ultimately Systems Command, a place where people want to work, can be recognised and rewarded. This informal recognition and reward proposal would in no way replace the Honours and Awards system. Rather, it would add an informal but visible layer of recognition between a pat on the back at the local level and a formal commendation.
Sometimes a simple 'thankyou' is enough to show people they are appreciated. However, without some tangible recognition, individuals are unable to produce visible proof of their extra effort other than by their Performance Appraisal Reports. One of the suggestions investigated was the introduction of a system of rewards for individuals and teams that are identified as making the extra effort.
The Navy Systems Command Quarterly Contribution Award will be introduced in Sep 04. The Award will be open to all personnel (military and civilian) employed within Systems Command and is also available to workplace teams.
Four Systems Command Quarterly Contribution Awards will be presented quarterly to individuals or teams who have made the extra effort to make their area of employment a better place to work. The award will consist of a certificate, signed by the Systems Commander and a prize (selected by the recipient) to the value of $100.
The Quarterly Contribution Awards will be unique in so far as nominations for the awards will be received from superiors, peers and subordinates. This approach is aimed at broadening the appeal of the Award, and ensuring that recipients can feel a real sense of accomplishment, because it will be based on the things that people do everyday, and will show their extra efforts are noticed and appreciated. We will never be able to thank everyone for the work they do, but this scheme will raise the profile of the excellent work that is happening within the Command.
Nominations for the Award will be accepted on the NAVSYSCOM web site and will be limited to between 50 and 100 words. Submissions for the award will close on the 15th day of the month prior to the award month, that is:
- 15 February for March Award.
- 15 May for June Award
- 15 August for September Award
- 15 November for December Award.
All personnel are encouraged to participate in this scheme. If you know a workmate is putting that little extra effort to improve the work area, or a work group is providing a service above what is expected, nominate them so their efforts don't go unrewarded.
Full details of the SYSCOM Quarterly Contribution Award will be promulgated by SYSCOM Memorandum, including how to nominate and the selection process.
If there are any questions on the scheme, please contact the Command Warrant Officer on (02) 6266 3528 or email cwo.nsc@defence.gov.au.
