Recognition programs are formal, non-monetary ways to acknowledge employees who exceed expectations and align with organizational values, which is essential for retaining talent. Types of recognition include formal recognition from executives, peer-to-peer acknowledgment, and awards for long service or suggestions. Examples from organizations like MIT, Zappos, and Disney highlight the importance of personalized and diverse recognition approaches.

1. RECOGNITION PROGRAMS
Marcela Guerra

2. AGENDA
 What is a Recognition Programs?
 Types of Recognition Programs;
 Examples;
 The Importance of Personalized Recognition.

3. RECOGNITION PROGRAMS
Formal non-monetary way to congratulate employees who go
above and beyond to achieve something important to the
organization and in alignment with the its values (Fisher, 2015).
In the past, a way to to reward employees for their long-term
loyalty to the organization (Dessler, Chhinzer, & Cole, 2013, p.
342).
Nowadays, recognize the employees’ efforts is essential to
retain best human capital. Employees who feel valued are more
loyal and motivated (Dessler, Chhinzer, & Cole, 2013, p. 342).

4. TYPES
 Formal recognition from the organization`s executives for
employees or teams;
 Peer-to-peer recognition;
 Recognition for ideas or suggestions to improve the
organization`s profitability;
 Long-service recognition.
(Fisher, 2015)

5. TOP RECOGNITION PROGRAMS IN
2017 WorldatWork (2017)

6. EXAMPLES
 MIT
•MIT Excellence Awards (individuals and teams):
acknowledge work of service, support, administrative
and sponsored research staff.
•Infinite Mile Award (individuals and teams):
significant accomplishment in their department, labs
or centers.
•Appreciation Award: “on-the-spot” awards, day-to-
day small awards.
(Human Resources at MIT, n.d.)

7. EXAMPLES
Zappos
•Coworker Bonus Program: rewards workers for wow
moments.
•Grant-a-Wish Program.
•Zappos Dollars (Zollars) for going above and beyond.
•Master of WOW Parking: a week of special parking
spot for collaboration.
•Hero Award: monthly parade.
(Zappos Insights, 2012)

8. EXAMPLES
Disney
•“Sincere, every-day acknowledgment for ‘going above
and beyond’ in daily tasks”
•“Special moments and opportunities that focus on
larger accomplishments and significant milestones”
(Jones, 2016)

9. PERSONALIZED RECOGNITION
 Personalized moment and gift are important;
 Different generations, different motivations;
 Diversity.
 Public x private moment of recognition;

10. REFERENCES
•Dessler, G., Chhinzer, N., & Cole, N. D. (2013). Human Resource Management in Canada. Toronto: Pearson.
•Fisher, J. G. (2015). Strategic Reward and Recognition: Improving Employee Performance Through Non-
monetary Incentives. London: Kogan Page.
•Human Resource Department of Havard University. (s.d.). Recognizing and Rewarding Your Staff. Fonte:
Human Resource Department of Havard University: https://hr.fas.harvard.edu/recognition
•Human Resources at MIT. (s.d.). MIT's Recognition Program. Fonte: Human Resources at MIT:
http://hrweb.mit.edu/rewards/about-program
•Jones, B. (26 de January de 2016). Celebrate The Everyday And Beyond: The Value Of Consistent Recognition In
The Workplace. Fonte: Disney Institute: https://disneyinstitute.com/blog/2016/01/celebrate-the-everyday-
and-beyond-the-value-of-consistent-recognition-in-the-workplace/
•WorldatWork. (2017). Trends in Employee Recognition. WorldatWork.
•Zappos Insights. (9 de October de 2012). Four Peer-To-Peer Ways Zappos Employees Reward Each Other.
Fonte: Zappos Insights: https://www.zapposinsights.com/blog/item/four-peertopeer-ways-zappos-employees-
reward-each-other

11. THANK YOU!
Recognition Programs
Marcela Guerra