Strategic employee recognition program unites team members at a global pet retailer
Central platform makes on-the-spot appreciation easy
At a global pet retailer, all associates share a passion for connecting with pets and pet parents. But with associates spread across retail stores, corporate headquarters, a call center and distribution centers, leaders wanted to meaningfully connect them to a shared purpose and vision. The recognition program uses data insights to recognize new associates, inform leaders and achieve business goals.
A centralized platform creates a culture of recognition.
A visioning session inspired the strategy to establish a strong program brand, create a centralized platform and engage team members with a multi-media communications campaign.
The result was PlayUp, a fun, energetic program that leaned into associates’ love of pets while also encouraging value-based recognition
Years-of-service award pins publicly promote loyalty.
To build excitement for PlayUp among associates, we sent recognition inspiration materials to display in their workspaces. Leadership was given tips for talking about the program and recognizing their associates in a way that would build authentic relationships. We also reintroduced a years-of-service program that had been on hiatus and handled the logistics of shipping materials to over 1,600 locations. Managers’ flexible dashboard views met each retail store’s reporting needs.
Together, we consolidated multiple disparate programs to offer various types of recognition all united by their core values, including:
- Peer-to-peer recognition
- Manager recognition
- Nomination-based awards
- Years-of-service awards
- Grooming salon recognition
- Contests and incentives
Robust dashboards ensure reporting needs are met.
Just months into PlayUp’s first year, the client saw such strong levels of engagement that they wanted even more creative, strategic ways to grow the program. We conducted field research with managers and associates at retail locations to better understand their motivations and challenges.
With these findings and further data-driven program optimization, leadership continues to deliver on their business objectives and sustain a culture of recognition.
Results
91% of associates have received a recognition (that’s 40,950 people!)
95% of leaders have issued recognition
500K+ recognitions given in Year 1
15% greater retention at 3 months for new associates who are recognized at least once
$11M+ saved by improving retention of new associates