In less than 20 minutes a week, we'll introduce you to an expert or business owner with deep experience in what they do. Grow you, grow your team, grow a small business.   Welcome to the "Grow a Small Business" podcast with your host, Rob Cameron. In this episode, Rob interviews Tony Delaney, the CEO and Founder of Brownie Points, based in Queensland, Australia. Tony Delaney, Founder of Brownie Points, underscores the significance of recognizing and valuing employees for small business success. He advocates for recognition over rewards, promoting motivation and engagement while aligning with corporate values. With hybrid work trends, fostering inclusion is crucial to reduce turnover and enhance productivity. Tune in to learn how employee recognition can elevate your business, and leave a review to support the podcast. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Employee Recognition is Crucial: Tony Delaney emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing your employees. It's essential for both small and large businesses. Neglecting employee recognition can lead to turnover and reduced productivity.   Recognition Over Rewards: While rewards have their place, recognition holds more significance. Positive feedback, acknowledgment, and verbal recognition can have a powerful impact on motivating and engaging employees. It's a basic human need that doesn't require substantial financial investment.   Timely Recognition: The timing of recognition is vital. Delayed recognition loses its impact. Timely recognition can be more meaningful to the recipient, making them feel appreciated and valued. Our hero’s write kick-ass reviews after listening to our special guests. Are you our hero? Customized Recognition Programs: Small business owners can design recognition programs based on employee needs and motivations. For instance, recognizing employees who refer new hires can lead to cost savings for the business, creating a win-win situation. Hybrid Workforce Considerations: With more businesses adopting a hybrid workforce, ensuring inclusion and engagement among remote and in-office employees is vital. Recognition programs should adapt to these changing work environments to maintain a positive company culture. One action small business owners can take: One action small business owners can take, as advised by Tony Delaney, is to focus on your people, get to know what motivates them, what makes them passionate, make them feel included in your corporate vision, so that they are all heading in the same direction. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can tell you to maximise your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. ?   Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Employee recognition is the fuel that drives exceptional performance and fosters a culture of excellence" - Tony Delaney In a world where talent is the ultimate differentiator, recognizing and appreciating employees is a strategic imperative. - Tony Delaney Making them feel part of a bigger picture is absolutely key. If you look after your staff, you're likely to have a very strong business." - Tony Delaney