#1 Guide to Building a Recognition Program in 2024 [10 Examples]

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In today's fast-paced and competitive workplace, an effective employee awards program is critical to boosting morale, enhancing employee retention, and ensuring that employees feel valued for their contributions. Recognizing and rewarding employees' achievements is more than just a gesture; it's a powerful strategy for fostering a positive company culture and driving engagement. Kudos for employees, whether through peer-to-peer recognition or public acknowledgment, create an environment where team members feel appreciated for their everyday efforts, leading to higher employee satisfaction and loyalty to the organization.

At Matter, we understand that companies constantly strive to balance operational goals with creating an engaging and supportive work environment. It can be challenging to ensure that every employee feels valued, particularly in hybrid or remote setups. That's why having a structured recognition program is so important; it helps businesses of all sizes consistently recognize their employees' contributions, which ultimately boosts morale, increases retention, and aligns the team with the company's mission.

What is a recognition program?

A recognition program is a structured system that is intended to recognize and compensate employees for their contributions, accomplishments, and efforts within the company. It can encompass diverse strategies, including public recognition, awards, monetary incentives, and verbal commendation, to guarantee that employees feel valued and appreciated. A recognition program helps companies foster a culture of appreciation, which boosts employee engagement, morale, and overall job satisfaction. By recognizing employees' efforts consistently, companies can align recognition with organizational goals and create a positive work environment that encourages continuous performance and innovation.

Why is a recognition program important for employees?

Recognition programs significantly enhance employee morale and engagement. When employees receive acknowledgment for their hard work, it incentivizes them to enhance or preserve their performance and strengthens their affiliation with the company. Regular recognition also cultivates a supportive work environment in which employees feel valued and are more inclined to remain with the company for an extended period, thereby reducing the expense of attrition. Moreover, recognition programs strengthen colleague relationships through peer-to-peer recognition, enhancing teamwork and communication. In short, recognition programs are integral to creating a thriving workplace where employees feel valued, which contributes to overall business success.

Pros and cons of a recognition program

While recognition programs offer significant benefits, they also come with potential challenges. Here are some important pros and cons to consider:

Pros of a recognition program:

  • Boosts employee morale: Recognition creates a sense of accomplishment, increasing motivation and productivity.
  • Improves employee retention: A strong recognition culture makes employees feel valued, reducing turnover and promoting loyalty.
  • Reinforces company values: Recognition tied to specific behaviors that reflect company values strengthens organizational culture.

Cons of a recognition program:

  • Inconsistent implementation: Without clear guidelines, recognition can become sporadic, leading to potential feelings of favoritism or exclusion.
  • Cost considerations: Implementing a recognition program can become expensive if not well-managed, depending on the type of rewards offered, such as monetary rewards.
  • Overemphasis on rewards: If recognition focuses too much on tangible rewards rather than genuine appreciation, it can reduce employees' intrinsic motivation.

By balancing both formal and informal recognition methods, companies can avoid these pitfalls and create an effective recognition program that drives employee engagement and retention.

Recognition Program Statistics

Research shows that implementing an effective recognition program can significantly boost employee engagement, retention, and overall performance. According to Gallup, organizations with strong employee recognition programs experience 21% higher profitability and 20% more productivity than those without such programs. Furthermore, companies that foster a culture of recognition can expect a 41% reduction in absenteeism, which positively impacts the bottom line by improving employee attendance and engagement.

In terms of retention, recognition plays a vital role in reducing turnover. Studies indicate that organizations with recognition programs report 31% lower voluntary turnover than those without​. Additionally, 63% of employees who feel recognized are less likely to search for new job opportunities, demonstrating the importance of consistent acknowledgment​.

Peer-to-peer recognition is also particularly impactful, with companies using peer recognition programs showing a 48% increase in employee engagement and a 35.7% improvement in financial results. Regular recognition—whether through public praise, awards, or informal kudos—strengthens a company's culture and fosters loyalty, significantly reducing turnover and enhancing job satisfaction.

These statistics highlight the powerful effects of a well-structured recognition program in driving business success by fostering a positive and engaging workplace environment.

Trends in 2024 for a recognition program

In 2024, employee recognition programs will evolve to satisfy a diverse workforce's demands while adjusting to technology improvements. Companies increasingly recognize the value of a successful recognition program in fostering a healthy company culture and enhancing employee morale. Here are some of the top trends for 2024:

  1. Increased focus on personalization: Recognition programs are moving toward a more tailored approach where recognition preferences are considered. Employees experience a greater sense of appreciation when their recognition incorporates personalized elements consistent with their interests, such as customized rewards or experiences. This trend promotes greater employee satisfaction and ensures that employees feel appreciated.
  2. Integration with mental health and well-being: As part of an overall effort to improve mental wellness, companies are incorporating well-being initiatives into their recognition programs. Companies are fostering a more holistic recognition culture by recognizing work performance and personal well-being efforts. This approach supports a positive company culture while ensuring high employee morale.
  3. Frequent and real-time recognition: Gone are the days when recognition was tied to annual reviews. In 2024, organizations are adopting more real-time recognition methods, acknowledging employees immediately for their achievements. This shift ensures consistent recognition experiences, which helps to drive employee engagement and ensures that employees feel continuously recognized for their efforts.
  4. Technology-driven recognition programs: With the rise of remote workers and distributed teams, companies are turning to employee recognition software that integrates with collaboration tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams. These platforms allow companies to recognize employees seamlessly, ensuring that remote employees feel just as valued as those in the office. The use of such employee recognition platforms fosters inclusion and helps maintain a positive recognition culture across all locations.
  5. Data-driven recognition strategies: In 2024, more organizations use employee data to shape recognition strategies. By analyzing metrics such as the frequency and type of recognition, HR teams can gain deep insights into how recognition efforts impact employee retention and engagement. This data-driven strategy allows companies to constantly enhance their recognition efforts, ensuring that they are both effective and consistent with the company values.

By adopting these trends, companies can build more effective recognition systems that increase employee engagement, enhance employee retention, and contribute to a thriving, positive company culture.

Strategies and ideas to build a recognition program

Creating a successful employee recognition program requires thoughtful planning and alignment with your company's values. A well-designed program should ensure employees feel appreciated, boost employee morale, and create a healthy corporate culture. Here are some strategies and ideas to help you build an effective employee recognition program:

  1. Incorporate peer-to-peer recognition: Encouraging peer-to-peer recognition helps build a culture of mutual appreciation among team members. This method allows colleagues to recognize employees for their contributions, promoting a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. Implementing tools such as employee recognition platforms or dedicated channels for recognizing efforts can make this process simple and effective.
  2. Tie recognition to company values: One of the best ways to ensure the program aligns with your organizational goals is by linking recognition to specific behaviors that reflect your company's values. Employees should be recognized not just for completing tasks but for actions that support the overall culture of the business, such as collaboration or innovation. By connecting recognition to values, you reinforce the most important behaviors of your company.
  3. Offer monetary and non-monetary rewards: A successful program should provide monetary rewards (such as gift cards or bonuses) and non-monetary rewards like public praise, extra vacation days, or professional development opportunities. This allows you to cater to different employee preferences and ensures that all employees feel valued, regardless of their individual motivations.
  4. Recognize everyday efforts, not just big achievements: While it's important to celebrate milestones, it's equally crucial to acknowledge the smaller, everyday contributions. Regular, consistent feedback ensures that employees' ongoing efforts are not overlooked and reinforces a culture of consistent recognition experiences. Frequent recognition helps maintain high employee engagement and productivity, even for smaller tasks.
  5. Use technology to facilitate recognition: In today's increasingly remote and hybrid work environment, integrating employee recognition software with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or email ensures that all employees, including virtual employees, are recognized for their contributions. These platforms make automating celebrations for events like birthdays or anniversaries easy, ensuring no deserving employee is overlooked.
  6. Gather employee feedback to continuously improve: Regularly collecting feedback from employees on how they feel about the recognition program is crucial for its success. Use pulse surveys to gauge satisfaction with the recognition methods in place and identify areas for improvement. This will allow you to refine the program over time to better meet the needs of your workforce.

By adopting these strategies, companies can create an employee recognition program that drives engagement, motivates team members, and aligns with their company's culture. The key is ensuring that the recognition feels genuine, consistent, and meaningful, leading to a more motivated and loyal workforce.

Important metrics for recognition program to measure impact

Measuring the efficacy of an employee recognition program is critical for understanding how it affects employee engagement, morale, and overall corporate performance. Tracking specific metrics allows organizations to gauge whether employees feel appreciated and if the program aligns with company values. Here are the key metrics to consider for a successful employee recognition program:

  1. Participation rates: A high participation rate indicates a well-adopted recognition program. Measuring how many employees actively give or receive recognition helps assess engagement levels. An effective employee recognition program should aim for at least 40% participation within the first three months, with a target to increase as the program becomes part of the company's culture of recognition.
  2. Employee engagement: Surveys and employee feedback are essential for understanding how recognizing employees impacts engagement. Recognized employees tend to show higher job satisfaction and productivity, contributing to a positive company culture. According to Gallup, organizations with strong recognition programs see a 17% boost in productivity.
  3. Retention rates: Monitoring employee retention is key to assessing how recognition efforts reduce costly employee turnover. Companies with effective recognition programs often report lower turnover, as employees who feel valued are more likely to stay. Recognition programs help retain talent and improve employee loyalty.
  4. Utilization and redemption rates: If the employee recognition program includes rewards, tracking those rewards' utilization and redemption rates provides insights into the program's value. High redemption rates indicate that employees appreciate the rewards offered, while low rates may suggest a need for better-aligned rewards to employee preferences.
  5. Manager participation: The involvement of managers in peer-to-peer recognition and formal recognition efforts is critical. Measuring manager participation ensures that recognition efforts are driven from the top down, fostering a consistent recognition experience across the organization. Active recognition from leadership can significantly boost morale across the entire team.
  6. Employee sentiment and feedback: Conducting surveys that assess employee sentiment toward the recognition program helps identify areas for improvement. High employee satisfaction with the program usually correlates with greater engagement and improved employee morale.
  7. Business outcomes: Recognition programs should be linked to broader business outcomes. Key metrics such as productivity, absenteeism, and customer satisfaction can help measure the positive impact of recognition on the organization. Engaged employees who feel recognized are often more productive and provide better customer service, directly influencing the company's bottom line.

By focusing on these metrics, companies can continuously improve their employee recognition programs and ensure they contribute to a positive company culture, higher employee engagement, and stronger business performance.

10 best employee recognition programs

1. Matter

About Matter: Matter is a comprehensive employee recognition platform designed to boost employee engagement by facilitating peer-to-peer recognition through seamless integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams. Employees can send kudos via customizable kudos cards, which allows personalized, value-based recognition to be shared across teams. These features ensure that recognition is easy and meaningful, promoting a culture where employees feel appreciated for their contributions. The platform also helps businesses foster a recognition culture aligning with their core values, driving engagement and employee retention.

Matter's standout feature, Feedback Friday, encourages regular recognition at the end of each week, helping teams consistently acknowledge each other's efforts. Additionally, the platform includes automated milestone celebrations such as birthdays and work anniversaries, ensuring no important event is missed. With its powerful analytics and reporting tools, managers gain insights into recognition trends and can measure the impact on employee morale and overall company culture. These features make Matter a valuable tool for improving employee satisfaction and retention.

Best employee Recognition Programs: Matter
Best employee Recognition Programs: Matter

Matter main features:

  • Seamless integration: Matter is a Slack-first and Teams-first application, meaning it integrates effortlessly with these platforms, making it ideal for distributed and hybrid teams.
  • Peer-to-peer recognition: Employees can send recognition via beautifully designed kudos cards, which are easy to use and fully customizable for company values, inside jokes, or achievements.
  • Automated celebrations: Matter automatically celebrates birthdays, work anniversaries, and milestones with minimal admin effort. Employees can also self-serve by adding their celebration dates.
  • Feedback Friday: An automated feature that encourages teams to give kudos at the end of the week, boosting recognition and helping employees end on a positive note.
  • Flexible reward options: Employees can redeem their rewards for donations to charities, digital gift cards, prepaid Visa/Mastercard, or custom-branded rewards such as extra vacation days or lunch with the CEO.
  • Incentivized surveys: Surveys can be distributed through Slack or Teams with incentives, making it easy for employees to respond and ensuring high participation.
  • Coin system: Matter's coin system has a higher reset frequency compared to competitors, resetting weekly to encourage frequent and genuine participation.
  • Quick setup: Matter takes just 2 minutes to install and 5-10 minutes to customize, making it a low-maintenance solution for ongoing recognition.

Matter combines ease of use, automation, and personalization to make employee recognition seamless and meaningful. Its powerful integration with Slack and Teams, along with its diverse reward options, makes it the perfect tool for boosting employee morale and engagement.

Matter pricing:

  • Free Forever: $0/user/month
  • Basic: $1/user/month, billed annually
  • Pro: $3/user/month, billed annually
  • Pro + Surveys: $5/user/month, billed annually

For more information, please visit the Matter pricing page.

Matter G2 score: Matter holds a G2 score of 4.7/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Matter customers: Sephora, Petco, Shell, Siemens, JiffyLube, Microsoft, SXSW, Bolt, True Classic, and Carrier.

What Matter customers are saying on G2: "Our company's culture & morale changed overnight! In under 2 months, we've had over 2,000 kudos sent and 80%+ engagement across all employees. Matter has motivated people to participate like no other software we have ever used." - Jeff Hagel, President at McInnis & Holloway.

2. Motivosity

About Motivosity: Motivosity is a comprehensive employee recognition platform that enhances employee engagement through peer-to-peer recognition and automated milestone celebrations. Designed to build stronger workplace connections, Motivosity integrates with Slack and Microsoft Teams, allowing employees to send recognition in real time. The platform focuses on making recognition meaningful by aligning it with company values and strengthening company culture and performance. Its flexible rewards system, including gift cards and charitable donations, ensures that recognition remains personalized and impactful for all team members.

Best employee Recognition Programs: Motivosity
Best employee Recognition Programs: Motivosity

Motivosity main features:

  • Peer-to-peer recognition with social feed
  • Automated milestone celebrations for birthdays and anniversaries
  • Integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams
  • Flexible rewards system, including gift cards and charitable donations
  • Detailed analytics and insights on recognition trends

Motivosity pricing:$3000 Minimum Annual spend

  • Standard
  • Pro
  • Custom
  • Add-Ons: Communications, Spaces, Surveys, Meetings

For more information, please visit the Motivosity pricing page.

Motivosity G2 score: Motivosity has a G2 score of 4.7/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Motivosity customers: Atlabank, Bosch, KPMG, WGU, GreatClips, Cotopaxi, FUJIFILM, and Salerabit ZionsBank.

What Motivosity customers are saying on G2: "I like the variety of gift card options you can redeem your Motivosity money for. That it always defaults to showing my entire company in stead of just my team. Also that the verification emails seem to take forever to hit my inbox; not sure if that's a Motivosity issue or a server issue on our end." - Corbett S., Customer Service Representative.

3. Cooleaf

About Cooleaf: Cooleaf is an employee engagement platform that integrates recognition, rewards, and performance management into one seamless experience. Designed to foster a positive workplace culture, Cooleaf enables employees to recognize and reward peers with personalized messages that celebrate core values, milestones, and everyday achievements. The platform offers rewards, including gift cards, company swag, and experiences, ensuring employees feel valued and appreciated. Cooleaf's data-driven insights allow HR leaders to track engagement and optimize recognition strategies, making it a powerful tool for improving retention, boosting morale, and creating an inclusive company culture​.

Best employee Recognition Programs: Cooleafv
Best employee Recognition Programs: Cooleaf

Cooleaf's main features:

  • Peer and manager recognition tied to company values
  • Automated celebrations for milestones like work anniversaries
  • Integration with platforms such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Workday
  • Customizable rewards catalog, including gift cards and experiences
  • Data-driven insights for measuring engagement trends

Cooleaf pricing: Pricing is not listed on the website. You'll need to schedule a demo/sales call with Cooleaf to learn more about pricing.

Cooleaf G2 score: Cooleaf has a G2 score of 4.9/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Cooleaf customers: Acosta, Aprio, Bark, BlueLinx, ConneXus, and Georgia's Own Credit Union.

What Cooleaf customers are saying on G2: "I wish the feed was better. Right now, it seems like a mishmash of notifications and recognitions. I'm not sure what the solution would be, but I think the main newsfeed's algorithm should be improved." - Pat S., Tax Senior.

4. Vantage Circle

About Vantage Circle: Vantage Circle is a comprehensive employee recognition platform designed to elevate company culture through seamless and global recognition efforts. The platform offers peer-to-peer recognition, long-service awards, and a global rewards catalog with over 10 million products, gift cards, and unique experiences. It also includes automated features for birthdays and service anniversaries, ensuring no important milestone is missed. Vantage Circle helps organizations drive employee engagement and reinforce core company values, all while providing detailed analytics for tracking recognition trends and performance​.

Best employee Recognition Programs: Vantage Circle
Best employee Recognition Programs: Vantage Circle

Vantage Circle's main features:

  • Peer-to-peer recognition and long-service awards
  • Global rewards catalog with over 10 million products and experiences
  • Automated recognition for milestones such as birthdays and work anniversaries
  • Detailed analytics for tracking employee engagement and recognition patterns​

Vantage Circle pricing: Request a demo for pricing. There is a one-time setup fee that applies to all plans.

  • Grow
  • Transform
  • Enterprise

For more information, please visit the Vantage Circle pricing page.

Vantage Circle G2 score: Vantage Circle holds a G2 score of 4.7/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Vantage Circle customers: Wells Fargo, Bosch, DHL, Infosys, Wipro, ACG, Landmark Group, and Blue Star.

What Vantage Circle customers are saying on G2: "It provides a platform for more widespread recognition. It feels a bit childish. The emoji's and GIFs are extremely limited and most are inappropriate." - Verified User in Hospital & Health Care.​

5. Achievers

About Achievers: Achievers is a powerful employee recognition platform developed to assist businesses in fostering a culture of recognition through frequent, points-based recognition. Employees can give and receive recognition through tools integrated with their everyday applications, such as Outlook, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. The site also provides access to a worldwide rewards marketplace with over 2,500 businesses and various incentive possibilities, such as gift cards and charitable donations. Achievers allows businesses to track engagement metrics and leverage data to optimize recognition strategies. With its robust social recognition features, Achievers helps build an inclusive and motivating workplace culture that drives employee engagement and retention​.

Best employee Recognition Programs: Achievers
Best employee Recognition Programs: Achievers

Achievers main features:

  • Social recognition through peer-to-peer recognition
  • Points-based recognition and rewards with a global marketplace
  • Integrations with Slack, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, and HRIS systems
  • Data analytics for tracking program success

Achievers pricing: Pricing is not listed on the website. You'll need to schedule a demo/sales call with Achievers to learn more about pricing.

Achievers G2 score: Achievers holds a G2 score of 4.7/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Achievers customers: Discover Samsung, General Motors, Kellanova, Dyson, Scotiabank, and Panasonic.

What Achievers customers are saying on G2: "The system does provide a full selection of Amazon item - the ones that are really good aren't typically available. The biggest issue is with delivery and tracking the status on the UI is very poor on giving the shipping status. No email updates are provided so you need to log in and see that a poorly worded status has changed which may indiciate that an item has been delivered. Customer Service was ineffective, good an responding and but not at taking action." - Verified User in Computer Software.

6. Guusto

About Guusto: Guusto is an employee recognition platform designed to simplify how companies reward and recognize their employees, especially in industries with frontline workers such as healthcare, retail, and hospitality. The platform offers flexible reward options, including digital gift cards and charitable donations, allowing employees to choose rewards that matter most to them. Guusto is renowned for its user-friendly interface, which enables managers and colleagues to recognize employees through personalized rewards without complex point systems. Guusto also works smoothly with platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Slack, making integrating recognition into daily workflows simple. The platform's scalability ensures it fits companies of all sizes, offering both free and paid plans.

Best employee Recognition Programs: Guusto
Best employee Recognition Programs: Guusto

Guusto main features:

  • Customizable rewards: Employees can choose from digital gift cards or donate to charities.
  • Non-monetary shoutouts: Recognize employees with non-monetary recognition options like public praise.
  • Automated milestones: Automatically celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other key events.
  • Seamless integrations: Works with HRIS systems, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and more.
  • Social impact: Every gift sent provides clean drinking water through Guusto's partnership with the One Drop Foundation.

Guusto pricing:

  • Free: $0 per month, Single user account
  • Lite: $40 per month, Single user account
  • Essential: $120 per month, Starts with 30 seats
  • Premium: $400 per month, Starts with 80 seats

For more information, please visit the Guusto pricing page.

Guusto G2 score: Guusto holds a G2 score of 4.9/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Guusto customers: Carlton Cards, Bell Media, The Body Shop, DLA Piper, Harry Rosen, Marriott, and Canada Life.

What Guusto customers are saying on G2: "I wish Guusto had more merchants for better flexibility. These days, people want to be more practical. Shops are better than restaurants. I'd like to see more shopping options and gasoline station brands on there." - Joseph G., Art Director.

7. Bonusly

About Bonusly: Bonusly is a leading employee recognition platform that helps companies foster a culture of appreciation through frequent peer-to-peer acknowledgments. The platform allows employees to give small, frequent bonuses to one another, reinforcing positive behaviors in real time. By integrating with platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams, Bonusly makes it easy to share recognition and celebrate achievements. The platform's robust rewards catalog includes options like gift cards, branded merchandise, and charity donations, making it flexible for diverse teams. With Bonusly, companies can boost employee engagement, improve retention, and foster a culture of appreciation through visible recognition and rewards.

Best employee Recognition Programs: Bonusly
Best employee Recognition Programs: Bonusly

Bonusly main features:

  • Peer-to-peer recognition with small, real-time bonuses
  • Automated birthday and anniversary celebrations
  • Integration with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and other tools
  • Large rewards catalog featuring gift cards, charitable donations, and more
  • In-depth analytics to track recognition patterns and employee engagement

Bonusly pricing:

  • Appreciate: $2/user/month, billed annually
  • Connect: $5/user/month, billed annually
  • Achieve: $7/user/month, billed annually

For more information, please visit the Bonusly pricing page.

Bonusly G2 score: Bonusly has a G2 score of 4.7/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Bonusly customers: Toast, Tactile Medical, Seat Geek, Qualtrics, PaloAlto Networks, MongoDB, and Headspace.

What Bonusly customers are saying on G2: "I love the idea of rewarding co workers for their assistance and attitude in the office. Although I think the idea is great, I have purchased 2 $25. visa cards to be mailed to me but never received them…" - Verified User in Legal Services.

8. Nectar

About Nectar: Nectar is a comprehensive employee recognition platform designed to enhance workplace culture by making recognition simple, frequent, and meaningful. It allows for peer-to-peer recognition, where employees can send shoutouts to each other, tying in company core values to ensure consistent alignment with organizational goals. Points can be awarded for each recognition, which employees can redeem through Nectar's extensive rewards catalog, including gift cards, company-branded merchandise, and items from Amazon. Nectar's system supports automated milestone celebrations, such as work anniversaries and birthdays, streamlining the recognition process across distributed teams. With seamless integrations into Slack, Microsoft Teams, and HRIS systems, Nectar is a flexible solution for any organization aiming to build a strong culture of appreciation and engagement.

Best employee Recognition Programs: Nectar
Best employee Recognition Programs: Nectar

Nectar main features:

  • Peer-to-peer and manager recognition
  • Rewards catalog with gift cards, Amazon products, and custom merchandise
  • Automated celebrations for work anniversaries and birthdays
  • Integration with Slack, Teams, and HRIS
  • Custom challenges and robust analytics

Nectar pricing:

  • Plus $5/user/month, billed annually
  • Premium $6/user/month, billed annually
  • Custom [Book Demo for Quote]

For more information, please visit the Nectar pricing page.

Nectar G2 score: Nectar holds a G2 score of 4.7/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Nectar customers: Redfin, SHRM. Lasko, Heineken, MLB, Calendly, and Golden State Warriors.

What Nectar customers are saying on G2: "An encouraging way to connect with people. It seems like a way to just obtain a reward for sake of false encouragement." - Verified User in Primary/Secondary Education.

9. HeyTaco

About HeyTaco: HeyTaco is a playful employee recognition platform designed to enhance team engagement and foster a positive workplace culture. It integrates with Slack and Microsoft Teams, making it easy for teams to send virtual tacos as a fun and meaningful way to appreciate each other's efforts. Through its peer-to-peer recognition system, employees can give and receive tacos for daily wins or significant achievements. HeyTaco's gamified approach promotes a culture of generosity and gratitude, helping teams feel connected and appreciated even in remote settings​.

Best employee Recognition Programs: HeyTaco
Best employee Recognition Programs: HeyTaco

HeyTaco's main features:

  • Peer-to-peer recognition: Employees send virtual tacos to recognize colleagues' efforts.
  • Leaderboards: Tracks top taco givers and receivers, encouraging friendly competition.
  • Custom rewards: Allows companies to create tailored rewards for employees to redeem their collected tacos.
  • Taco tags: These can be linked to company values, reinforcing organizational culture.
  • Reporting and analytics: Provides insights into recognition patterns and employee engagement.

HeyTaco pricing:

  • $3 per person/month
    • Everyone Plan
    • Team Plan
    • Enterprise Plan  (100+ Users)

For more information, please visit the HeyTaco pricing page.

HeyTaco G2 score: HeyTaco has a G2 score of 4.8/5 based on user reviews.

Notable HeyTaco customers: HeyTaco does not include listed clients.

What HeyTaco customers are saying on G2: "How easy it is to give tacos through Slack to show recognition. Difficulty redeeming "rewards" and confusion around how to use "super tacos." - Ben A., Procurement Manager.

10. Assembly

About Assembly: Assembly is a peer-to-peer employee recognition platform designed to promote a culture of appreciation and participation. It provides various tools to help teams recognize and reward each other's accomplishments through meaningful messages, public shoutouts, and customizable rewards. Assembly seamlessly integrates with Slack and Microsoft Teams, making it easy for employees to give recognition directly within their daily workflows. The platform supports various reward options, from gift cards to company-branded swag, ensuring recognition efforts are tied to tangible outcomes. Assembly also offers deep insights into recognition patterns and employee engagement through its robust analytics tools, helping organizations track performance and drive retention.

Best employee Recognition Programs: Assembly
Best employee Recognition Programs: Assembly

Assembly main features:

  • Peer-to-peer recognition with customizable messages
  • Integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams
  • Real-time analytics for tracking engagement
  • Reward options including gift cards and company swag
  • Automated birthday and milestone celebrations

Assembly pricing:

  • Recognition: $2 per member/month, charged annually.
  • Engagement: $4 per member/month, charged annually.
  • Digital HQ: $4 per member/month, charged annually.
  • Custom: Consult with the sales department regarding pricing.

For more information, please visit the Assembly pricing page.

Assembly G2 score: Assembly has a G2 score of 4.8/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Assembly customers: NESCO, StubHub, Coca-Cola, Perforce, Bambee, and Amazon.

What Assembly customers are saying: "Honestly, there isn't anything I dislike. The only thing I've encountered is that there is a company that is not partnered with Assembly that several of us at my company would love to be able to redeem gift-cards for." - Verified User in Consumer Services.

Choosing the right recognition program for your company

Selecting the appropriate recognition program for your company is important for cultivating a positive work environment and increasing employee engagement. When evaluating your options, it is imperative to identify a platform that seamlessly integrates with your current tools, such as Slack or Microsoft Teams. Matter, for instance, is a

Slack-first and Teams-first application designed to make peer-to-peer recognition effortless. Its seamless setup, which takes just a few minutes, ensures employees can send beautiful, customizable kudos cards to celebrate accomplishments, align with company values, or even share inside jokes. This level of personalization helps cultivate a sense of belonging and recognition across the team, encouraging employees to feel appreciated and engaged. Additionally, automation features ensure that birthdays, work anniversaries, and other milestones are never overlooked, helping teams celebrate without the administrative burden.

Another critical factor when choosing a recognition program is the reward system. A good platform should offer various rewards catering to different employee preferences. Matter excels in providing options like digital gift cards, prepaid Visa/Mastercard, and custom-branded rewards like extra vacation days or lunch with the CEO. Matter's unique coin system resets weekly, encouraging frequent and genuine recognition. By tying recognition to tangible rewards and automating the feedback process with features like Feedback Friday, Matter ensures that recognition is consistent and impactful. This helps build a continuous appreciation culture, boosting employee morale and retention.

If you're looking for a platform that effortlessly blends recognition with your company's values and day-to-day operations, Matter is the ideal choice. Ready to take your recognition program to the next level? Get started with Matter for free today to boost engagement and create a thriving workplace culture.

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