“Recognizing and celebrating employees is a weak point for leaders, even when they think they’re doing a good job. Often, employees don’t feel truly seen and need more than a quick pat on the back. This recognition tripping point shows up again and again in Employee Passion Surveys, and the problem is often rooted in culture. Many leaders weren’t shown what meaningful recognition looks like as they advanced up the chain, and now they’re more focused on fixing problems than developing and recognizing people. But taking a moment to ask about someone’s weekend or acknowledge their effort—even briefly—can have a lasting impact. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but leaders have to push through that discomfort because people need to feel valued to do their best work.” —James Jackman
Humans crave recognition, starting with their parents, and then later from teachers and friends. That need doesn’t disappear when we become adults and enter the workplace. Study after study shows that employees want to feel seen, appreciated, and valued for their efforts. When leaders consistently recognize contributions and celebrate successes in honest, authentic, and individualized ways, it strengthens team spirit, boosts morale, and inspires people to go the extra mile. The Great Place to Work 2023 Discretionary Effort Study found that employees who believe they have an equal shot at being recognized are 2.2 times more likely to step up and exceed expectations. Recognition isn’t optional; it’s essential for organizational success.
While individual managers can have a positive impact on their team, a culture of recognition is the best way to develop engaged and loyal employees. Making employee appreciation an integral part of your workplace culture is achievable through meaningful and intentional practices, starting with an employee recognition program.
The Five Practices of Leadership
Kouzes and Posner are renowned leadership experts known for their influential work in leadership development. They outlined five practices of exemplary leadership in their bookThe Leadership Challenge. These practices are fundamental to effective leadership and widely used in leadership training programs. Here are the Five Practices of Leadership according to Kouzes and Posner:
1. Model the Way
2. Inspire a Shared Vision
3. Challenge the Process
4. Enable Others to Act
5. Recognize and Celebrate (Encourage the Heart)
In this article, we will focus on 5. Recognize and Celebrate. Encouraging the Heart means recognizing that people do their best when they feel valued and inspired. While it’s essential to celebrate wins, simply acknowledging effort, showing appreciation, and linking achievements to a larger purpose all contribute to a positive work environment. When leaders go a step further to celebrate contributions and uplift others, they build trust, boost morale, and spark the motivation teams need to keep moving forward.
What Does “Recognize and Celebrate” Mean in Practical Terms?
Exceptional leaders recognize and celebrate the contributions of others - Kouzes and Posner call this practice “Encourage the Heart”, but at Heffelfinger Co., we call it “Recognize and Celebrate” because we feel it best describes the practice. Great leaders show appreciation for individual and team achievements. In turn, employees feel valued and supported, which boosts confidence and encourages continued engagement. Reinforcing a culture of respect and trust, where people are motivated to contribute their best, drives both personal and team success.
Key aspects of "Recognize and Celebrate" include:
- Recognizing contributions by showing appreciation and expressing gratitude.
Genuine recognition shows employees their efforts matter. This can come in many forms, including a handwritten note, a shout-out in a team meeting, or a private thank-you. Do this regularly to boost morale and foster a stronger connection between leaders and their teams. - Celebrating victories, both small and large, to create a spirit of community and achievement.
Acknowledging progress on a project - rather than waiting until the project is complete - keeps momentum high and helps teams feel proud of their work. These small celebrations help individuals feel invested in what they’re achieving together and reminds the team that each person’s contribution matters. - Making celebration a part of the organization's culture to reinforce shared values and goals.
When recognition becomes a norm rather than an exception, it reinforces what the organization stands for. Embedding celebration into routines is an important tool for aligning teams around shared values and inspiring consistent performance.
Creative ways to recognize and celebrate employees:
- Say “thank you” more often
- Give sincere compliments
- Send a thank you card
- Have a company “thanks” feed
- Host company town hall meetings
- Create award certificates
- Give personalized gifts and rewards
- Ask how an employee would like to be rewarded
- Offer lunch with a company leader
- Provide snacks or treats
- Offer additional time off (late start/early finish, team walks, time to work out, nap, or meditate).
- Take staff to lunch
- Create random surprises
- Pay for team drinks
- Publish an annual yearbook
- Add an employee About Us page
- Provide training and role shadowing opportunities
Get Results by Recognizing and Celebrating Contributions
Even small, intentional acts of recognition and celebration can have a profound impact on employee morale, fostering a deeper sense of belonging, motivation, and commitment to the organization. Is your company empowering managers to recognize and celebrate employee contributions? Even better, is employee recognition embedded in your company culture? By embracing the practice of “Recognize and Celebrate”, leaders can create an environment where employees feel trusted, valued, and empowered to contribute their best work because they know their efforts will be seen, appreciated, and celebrated.
Learning to recognize and celebrate employee contributions effectively is the best way to encourage loyalty and productivity. This skill can be taught through leadership development with the Heffelfinger Company.
Contact us for a FREE Values Exploration Conversation or to learn more about the Leadership Practices Inventory (Self or 360 version). Discover how you or your team can implement Practice 5 – Recognize & Celebrate (Encourage the Heart) to elevate your leadership impact today.
Warmly,
Lori and James
Lori Heffelfinger & James Jackman
Sources:
Claire Hastwell. Creating a Culture of Recognition: Tips for Driving Loyalty. https://www.greatplacetowork.com/resources/blog/creating-a-culture-of-recognition. Accessed 7/11/2025.
Jason Harney, 65 employee recognition ideas – the ultimate list, https://www.workstars.com/recognition-and-engagement-blog/2020/09/11/65-employee-recognition-ideas-ultimate-list/. Accessed 7/11/2025.
