When it comes to recognition, I believe it needs to be authentic, timely, and tailored to the individual. We try to celebrate even the small wins—for example, something as simple as saying, ‘Great job cleaning that spill up quickly before it became an issue.’ That kind of real-time acknowledgment reinforces positive behaviour and helps build a strong safety culture.
We also recognize that not everyone wants to be in the spotlight. Some employees appreciate a public shout-out, while others prefer a quiet thank-you. It’s important to know your team and understand how each person prefers to be recognized. The goal is to make people feel valued, not uncomfortable.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. We’re exploring ideas like bi-weekly company emails or newsletters that include a “shout-out” section, especially for safety contributions, to help formalize recognition while keeping it inclusive and culture-driven.
Personally, I’m cautious about over-relying on physical rewards like gift cards. While they can be a nice gesture, I never want recognition, especially around safety, to feel transactional. The goal is for employees to take pride in working safely because they understand the value and importance of it, not because there’s a prize attached.