<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=564901527947923&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

Building a Culture of Recognition

A practical guide to help HR leaders cultivate a positive workplace

It's no secret that employees want to feel valued in their workplace. Employees crave connection, belonging, and sense of purpose at work.

Yet, research from Gallup reveals only 2 in 10 U.S. employees feel a connection to their workplace culture.* For organizations, this disconnect can lead to reduced employee engagement, productivity, and loyalty.

Fortunately, an employee recognition program can help bridge this gap. Discover how recognition shapes culture and creates a workplace where employees feel connected, valued, and part of something meaningful.

In this eBook, you'll learn:
 
  • How employee recognition impacts company culture
  • 6 proven strategies for cultivating a recognition-rich culture
  • How to unify and strengthen culture across in-office, remote, and hybrid teams

* Source: Gallup's 2024 Organizational Culture Indicator

Access the full eBook by filling out this form.

Jump to Section...

Building a Culture of Recognition: A Guide for HR Leaders

The foundation of any company is its culture — the underlying elements that shape how employees feel, work, and engage with each other and the company’s mission. Especially now with the surge in hybrid and remote work, intentionally developing an inclusive, supportive corporate culture is more important than ever.

How do you go about creating a thriving culture of recognition? It’s a challenge workplace leaders are grappling with across industries. Recent data from Gallup reveals that only 2 in 10 U.S. employees feel connected to their company’s culture. This lack of connection is concerning, as employees who feel connected are four times more likely to be engaged employees and significantly less likely to look for new job opportunities.

The challenge is, building a strong recognition culture doesn’t happen overnight; it takes ongoing, strategic efforts to enhance the company values and deliver meaningful employee recognition. And it’s not just up to HR — every member of the organization has a role in shaping recognition strategies to improve employee engagement and organizational culture. This shared responsibility makes initiatives like building employee recognition especially powerful for building culture. When employees are appreciated for their contributions, it strengthens their connection to the organization and their colleagues, naturally leading to a more cohesive and positive workplace culture.

Download the Full eBook to Learn More

Building-a-Culture-of-Recognition_Mockup

Download the full eBook to learn how to build a culture of recognition and employee engagement !

This eBook dives into:

Why Organizational Culture is Important in the Modern Workforce

The Role of Recognition in Strengthening Company Culture

How to Incorporate Recognition into Company Culture

Download the Full eBook!

Building-a-Culture-of-Recognition_Mockup

To really build a culture of recognition in your workplace, focus on these 4 key elements: peer-to-peer recognition, leadership involvement, aligning rewards to company values, points-based recognition and celebrating milestones and personal wins. Here’s how to do it:

Encourage Peer Recognition

Foster a culture of recognition:

Get employees to call out each other’s contributions and celebrate team wins. Recognition doesn’t have to come from the top—it’s just as meaningful when it comes from peers.

Make it easy with the right tools:

Use communication tools or platforms that have features like “shout-outs”, “kudos” or “appreciation walls”. These platforms and employee recognition programs make recognition visible, engaging and easy to participate in.

Remove barriers:

Choose systems that are simple and quick to use. The more accessible the process, the more likely your people will participate regularly.

Involve Management and Leadership

Lead from the top:

When managers and leaders recognize their teams, it sets a great example. Leadership should regularly highlight the behaviors and values they want to see across the organization.

Connect recognition to core values:

Make sure company values aren’t just words on a wall. Reinforce them through your recognition efforts so employees understand how their daily actions contribute to the bigger picture.

Shine a light on excellence:

Publicly recognize employees who live your culture and values—whether through awards, shout-outs in company meetings or featured stories in internal newsletters.

Reward Value-Aligned Behaviors

Recognize what matters most:

Make sure your recognition efforts reflect what your company stands for. Reward behaviors that align to your mission, values and goals—not just outcomes.

Show what good looks like:

Give clear examples of what value-driven behavior looks like and highlight how employees are being recognized for living those values.

Tie recognition to points:

Introduce a points-based system where employees can earn rewards for achievements—especially those that demonstrate your core values in action.

Leverage Points-Based Recognition Platforms

Encourage frequent recognition:

When recognition is tied to points—and points can be redeemed for real rewards—employees will engage more regularly and consistently.

Keep everything in one place:

Choose a platform that makes it easy to give and receive recognition, track progress and redeem points—all in one hub.

Choose from a range of rewards:

Give employees the option to choose what motivates them most—gift cards, branded swag, experiences or charity donations.

Celebrate Milestones and Personal Wins

Recognize life’s big (and small) moments:

From work anniversaries and birthdays to promotions and personal achievements, take time to celebrate the moments that matter.

Add a personal touch:

Go beyond generic messages. A handwritten note, a custom gift or a shout-out in front of the team can make recognition feel personal and special.

Create a recognition culture:

When recognition becomes part of your company culture, employees feel more connected, valued and motivated to do their best work.

Download the Full eBook!

Building-a-Culture-of-Recognition_Mockup