Acknowledging one worker from all the others makes that worker very proud, but most of the others dismal.
‘I did good work too!’
‘Sure, he deserved it, but so did I!’
‘I made a difference as well.’
‘I pushed myself last month – actually, every month – but no award for me.’
‘It’s always the same people that get the accolades.’
That’s human nature. It’s not jealousy or resentment. It’s human nature.
The best way to thank workers for their efforts is to do it personally. Do it quietly. But tell their leaders as well. Tell them how well their worker is doing. Tell them specifically what they did well.
Micro-thanking works. Macro-thanking destructs.