5 Most Effective Employee Recognition Programs

‍Employee recognition programs are crucial for employee engagement and retention. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, 78% of employees would work harder if they felt recognized, and 69% said they would stay with their employer longer if they felt appreciated. With that in mind, let's take a look at five companies that have the best employee recognition programs.

Hilton

Hilton's recognition program, called "Catch Me at My Best," encourages employees to recognize their colleagues for outstanding performance. Employees can nominate their peers through an online portal, and the recognition is visible to all employees. The program has been very successful, with over 500,000 recognitions in the first year alone.

Impacts: By fostering a culture of recognition, Hilton has experienced increased employee morale and satisfaction, leading to higher productivity and guest satisfaction.

‍Adobe

‍Adobe's recognition program, called "Adobe Bravo," allows employees to send "bravos" to their colleagues for exceptional work. Bravos can be sent through an online platform or a mobile app, and the recognition is publicized to the entire company. Adobe also offers monetary rewards for outstanding performance, as well as other perks like gift cards and extra vacation days.

Impacts:The program has had a significant impact on employee engagement, with a 91% participation rate from employees. Through Bravo, Adobe has witnessed a positive shift in its work culture, resulting in improved collaboration, innovation, and overall performance.

Google

Google employs multiple award systems to motivate employees, the most notable is its peer-to-peer recognition program, called "gThanks," which allows employees to send "thank you" notes to their colleagues. This program allows Google employees to proactively recognize their peers for doing something big or small that goes above and beyond.The notes are visible to the entire company, and managers are encouraged to use the notes as a basis for performance feedback and career development conversations. In addition to gThanks, Google also offers peer-nominated awards for exceptional performance, as well as monetary rewards and stock options.

Impacts: This program has been instrumental in fostering a sense of appreciation and camaraderie among employees. Additionally, Google's peer-nominated awards and monetary rewards have significantly contributed to increased employee motivation, leading to higher levels of creativity and productivity.

‍Salesforce

Salesforce's recognition program, called "The V2MOM Awards," allows employees to nominate their colleagues for going above and beyond in one of five categories: value, vision, methods, obstacles, and measures. Winners receive a trophy and a monetary reward, and their accomplishments are celebrated at an annual company-wide event.

Impacts: The program has been a tremendous success, driving a culture of recognition and reinforcing the company's core values. Through The V2MOM Awards, Salesforce has seen a remarkable boost in employee morale and a greater sense of belonging, ultimately driving higher levels of employee engagement and loyalty.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn's recognition program, called "InDay," allows employees to take a day off to work on personal or professional development projects. Employees can also nominate their colleagues for "InDays," and the company recognizes outstanding accomplishments through a public announcement.

Impacts: This unique program has not only encouraged a healthy work-life balance but also resulted in a surge of creativity and innovation among employees. By recognizing outstanding accomplishments through InDay, LinkedIn has witnessed increased employee satisfaction, improved skill development, and a positive impact on overall performance.

These companies demonstrate that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to employee recognition programs. Each program is unique, but they all share a focus on creating a culture of appreciation and rewarding exceptional performance. By recognizing and rewarding their employees, these companies have created a highly engaged and motivated workforce, which has helped them to achieve outstanding business results.

Do you want to start a virtual recognition program?

Recognizing and rewarding employees is crucial for maintaining a motivated and engaged workforce. These five companies provide excellent examples of how to create effective employee recognition programs, but there are many other strategies and tools available to HR leaders.

Evergreen, is an employee recognition software that not only provides a platform for recognizing outstanding performance but also plants trees for every recognition. By using this tool, companies can show their commitment to sustainability while also creating a positive work culture. Learn more about Evergreen and how it can help your company,  and start recognizing your employees today!