How to Recognize

Everyone wants to be recognized for what they do. Being recognized and recognizing others builds a supportive and positive workplace. It can be simple and fun and its impact is meaningful and lasting. People who feel recognized produce higher quality and more abundant work.

Here are some suggestions for incorporating recognition into your group:

• Recognition should be immediate
• Recognition should be offered in abundance
• Employees who recognize others should also be recognized
• Recognition should be meaningful
• All employees should be eligible to receive recognition
• Recognition should be a public celebration

There are many forms of meaningful recognition. Whether planned or spontaneous, recognition supports a more positive, engaged culture and helps make the University of Calgary a great place to work and learn. Everyone has the opportunity to recognize others in one of two ways:

A. Structured Recognition

Structured recognition programs include both planned recognition and unit/faculty recognition programs. Planned recognition can be any one time event such as recognizing someone’s birthday or bringing in breakfast for the team. A unit or faculty recognition program encourages continuous recognition, and can be tailored to fit within the culture of your department or team. The development of these programs can and should be used to support organizational values and goals.

These two forms of recognition have different planning, administrative and communication requirements and are more involved than spontaneous, day to day forms of recognition. However, when you consider the positive and widespread impact these types of programs have on employee morale, the benefits are well worth the effort.

The University of Calgary's recognition programs and events also provide the opportunity to formally recognize faculty and staff's efforts and contributions throughout the year.

B. Spontaneous Recognition

Spontaneous recognition can happen at any time for any reason. It might be something you do every day, or just once in a while. It can be as easy as saying good morning, treating a co-worker to lunch or thanking someone for their help with a task. The only limit to appreciation is your imagination.