Year-round recognition: Why it matters and how to do it right!

It’s Lee, again! 👋 I’m back with more tips about sharing gratitude and employee recognition with your team. 

Employee recognition is often treated as an afterthought, reserved for big annual events like company holiday parties or year-end reviews. But waiting until December to show appreciation for your team's hard work means missing countless opportunities to keep them engaged and motivated all year long. 

Recognizing employee contributions regularly, not just at year’s end, can make a huge difference in how your team feels about their work, their place in the company, and their relationship with leadership. (Pro Tip: If you can’t remember to do it, just schedule it into your calendar!) 

Why is this so important? Ongoing recognition matters to boost morale and engagement, reinforce positive behavior, strengthen relationships, and reduce turnover. 

Here is how you can recognize your team year-round: ⬇️

1. Implement Peer-to-Peer Recognition Programs: Encouraging employees to celebrate each other's successes fosters a culture of appreciation that permeates all levels of the organization. Implementing a simple peer recognition program—whether it's through shout-outs in team meetings, a designated Slack channel, or a monthly recognition event—can go a long way in making people feel valued by their peers.
2. Use Technology to Make Recognition Easy: In today’s digital world, it’s easier than ever to implement systems that facilitate regular recognition. Platforms like Bonusly, Kudos, or your company’s intranet can make it simple for employees to recognize each other on the go. By making recognition part of your day-to-day workflow, it becomes an effortless habit, rather than an event that only happens at structured times.
3. Tie Recognition to Company Values: Instead of generic praise like "Great job," take the time to tie recognition to specific behaviors or outcomes that reflect what your organization stands for. For example, if one of your values is "Innovation," recognize an employee for thinking outside the box to solve a problem. This not only celebrates their effort but reinforces the values that guide your company.
4. Incorporate Recognition into Routine Check-Ins: Regular check-ins and one-on-ones with team members provide the perfect opportunity to offer meaningful recognition. Instead of waiting for the annual review, managers can make employee appreciation a natural part of their weekly or monthly conversations. A simple acknowledgment of progress, effort, or growth can go a long way in keeping employees motivated and engaged.
5. Making Recognition a Year-Round Commitment: Create a culture of year-round recognition by training managers on recognizing their teams effectively. Include training on how to give personalized, timely, and meaningful recognition. Check out our recognition calendar to celebrate anniversaries, project completions, and quarterly achievements. 

Regularly recognizing employee contributions throughout the year isn’t just a feel-good gesture—it’s a business strategy that drives engagement, retention, and productivity. Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to stay loyal to the company, perform at their best, and contribute to a positive, collaborative workplace culture.

Talk Again Soon

That’s all for this edition of Culture Corner! 👋 

As we approach the holiday season, how are you expressing appreciation for your team’s hard work this year? Let me know – let’s keep the discussion going! Need help planning some Q4 festivities? Get in touch with our team – we can help! 

P.S. Don’t miss our next hello&demo on Tuesday, December 10th at 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT. Enjoy a demo of Confetti’s Winter Mini Games, plus a Q&A with one of our friendly account managers. You may even win some Confetti Credits that you can put towards your next event. Don’t wait - register today! 

With love, 

Lee Rubin (she/her)