Taking Notice

A compliment for work well done, a note of thanks, a well-earned perk—all of these sweeten the work experience and motivate us to excel. It’s a simple act—paying attention to the good things people do. Workers thrive on a steady diet of recognition and reward. Top managers know this and are quick to take notice consistently and publicly of the meritorious contributions of their employees.

Today, more than ever, it’s important for us to take time to acknowledge the people around us who anticipate our needs, and make our path a little smoother. How often is our work supported by the efforts of others? Collaboration helps organizations excel, and together, each personal contribution is magnified by the whole. Recognition reinforces the connective tissue that unifies us, and it gives us the buoyancy we need when the waters get rough.

Showing recognition can also have a more formal approach. I remember attending an awards presentation recently and was absolutely thrilled to be there. The joy of the award winners, which permeated every molecule of space in the banquet hall, was palpable. And it was not just individuals who won, but teams of people who worked together, and they all wanted to stand proudly on stage to receive the award. I promised myself that I would never forget that experience.

At Your Workplace, it’s our privilege to profile companies where people work together in ways that make a difference within the workplace and to work life in general. We highlight shining examples in our magazine, and we celebrate stellar organizations at the awards ceremony held at our annual conferences.

This year, the Power of Inclusion Award is tied to our conference theme, just as last year we had the Innovative Ideas at Work Award. Nominees for the Power of Inclusion Award have demonstrated commitment to the belief that the work world can be a better place for everyone, and the individual, team or organization has contributed greatly to improving the experience of work for all workers in Canada.

The Power of Inclusion Award winners are chosen for their outstanding contribution to an environment where we all, equally and individually, belong. This award will recognize professionals, teams and organizations from the public and private sectors whose actions have significantly improved the health and well-being of the Canadian workplace.

New to our awards program this year, and destined to be an annual event, is our Top 10 Places Where Employees Thrive Awards. These awards are aimed at organizations that have created a dynamic and creative workplace by establishing a culture built on collaborative dialogue, trust, clear outcomes, tolerance, and teamwork.

Recognition reinforces the connective tissue that unifies us, and it gives us the buoyancy we need when the waters get rough.

Eligible organizations have created environments where workers feel their input and effort is valued and respected, and where innovation and contribution to improving workplace culture are motivated by leadership and management with input from personnel at every level.

Winning an award is not about the plaque, the trophy, or the certificate. It is about what it symbolizes. It is about the recognition for the achievement made. We long to be accepted and recognized for our accomplishments, and being feted with an award is one way to do it.

We’d like you to be a part of our celebration. It’s not too late to join in, and we would relish the opportunity to take notice proudly and publicly of your significant contribution to the healthy Canadian workplace.

It was only a few years ago that I stood on stage to receive the Business of the Year award. I remember being nervous, and my tongue was twisted in a knot, or so it felt. I’m not sure what I said, but the applause was deafening. As I sat back in my chair, I reached for my napkin to wipe my tears, wondering how they got there.

ARTICLE ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN ISSUE 11-2 OF YOUR WORKPLACE MAGAZINE.