Celebrating Success: Creative Approaches to Recognition in the Workplace

As an individual deeply committed to continuous learning, I embarked on my educational journey with limited resources. My academic pursuit began at a community college, where my passion for justice was nurtured. Initially, I aspired to become a forensic psychiatrist, but life had other plans. Despite the detours, the desire to earn my bachelor’s degree persisted. This is where my ability to harness creativity amidst constraints emerged as one of my superpowers.

When an employment opportunity presented itself, offering a unique benefit - -the freedom to pursue any degree at any university – and upon completion, the reward was $10,000 in company stock. This endeavor required four years of dedication, sacrificing my evenings and weekends. However, in my final semester, I was unexpectedly laid off. While initially daunting, this event retrospectively proved to be a significant blessing. The company upheld its commitment by awarding the promised stock, and the severance package served as a springboard into my subsequent career.

Yet, in the whirlwind of accomplishments and challenges, I often neglected to celebrate these milestones. My journey deserved recognition that I rarely gave it. Embracing the title of ‘celebrant’ instead of ‘reverend’ or ‘minister’ reflects this newfound appreciation for honoring life’s milestones, both in my own journey and in fostering community and workplace wellness.

This realization was echoed when I listened to Bob Chapman speak on the 6th Pillar Podcast, Episode 4, about acknowledging individuals when they excel and ensuring that recognition is thoughtful and timely.

Bob teaches recognition and celebration as part of learning to care for others “as somebody’s precious child” and addresses the question “How do you let people know they matter in thoughtful, timely, appropriate ways.” Bob says, “If we don’t spend five times more catching them doing things right, it is difficult for them to deal with things that you feel they can do better.”

It brought to mind a conversation I had with a police captain seeking innovative ways to engage with his team. He expressed a need for training in appreciation. At that time, I hadn’t yet discovered Gary Chapman and Paul White’s “The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace,” though I was familiar with Gary Chapman’s “The 5 Love Languages,” a longstanding New York Times bestseller.

I introduced the captain to the book's core idea: understanding how to show appreciation in a manner that resonates with an individual and makes them feel valued—or in Bob Chapman’s terms, cared for.

In my work with agencies to help develop their wellness programs, a fundamental element is the celebration of achievements, regardless of their size, and doing so frequently.

Here are five inventive strategies to celebrate and express gratitude with your personnel:

Smash Room – A novel and exhilarating way to release your inner child, suitable for team celebrations, holiday party alternatives, or as a unique date night reward. Some smash rooms are mobile, while others incorporate a therapeutic aspect with talk therapy. My experience in a smash room for a school project was immensely satisfying, fostering a sense of unity without the responsibility of cleanup!

Time Off or Flex Time – In public safety, extended shifts are the norm. Why not reverse this by offering time off or covering a shift, allowing team members to start their workout early or spend quality time with family? This gesture is a considerate acknowledgment of their hard work.

Small, Personalized Gifts – Memorable gifts are those given with thoughtfulness, not necessarily with a high price tag. Consider the cherished handmade presents from children. Similarly, a gift like a favorite team’s water bottle or lunch cooler can be a meaningful way to celebrate an individual or goal.

Snacks on Steroids – Snacks are a staple in public safety, and there’s nothing like seeing the joy on an officer’s face when choosing from a snack box during a call. Elevate this by delivering a surprise pizza or meal to their doorstep as a token of appreciation. Who wouldn’t feel appreciated with dinner delivered by Uber Eats?

Special Project – While it may seem counterintuitive to offer more work as a form of recognition, research indicates that when employees select a project of their interest, rather than being voluntold, they experience a 26% increase in perceived opportunity. Choosing a project enhances feelings of inclusion and community, significantly boosting the likelihood of exceptional performance.

In your journey, too, remember to celebrate your own milestones and accomplishments. Sometimes, we’re so focused on the next goal that we forget to pause and appreciate how far we’ve come.

Karen Hurley is a dedicated spiritual coach and peer supporter with a focus on serving first responders and leaders. With over two decades of experience, she is deeply invested in the well-being of first responders and leaders through her commitment to developing wellness programs for public safety organizations. Karen’s expertise was sharpened during her tenure in the wellness unit of a prominent public safety company, where she worked with hundreds of agencies to enhance the well-being of personnel and departments.

Her work with the Phoenix Fire Department’s Crisis Response team is a testament to her hands-on approach, offering solace and strength to those facing the aftermath of crisis. As an ordained minister with the Universal Brotherhood Movement, Karen brings a spiritual dimension to her work, offering guidance and support to those she serves.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Karen takes pride in her role as a mentor with the Big Brother Big Sister organization, making a difference in the life of a young girl. She is also the proud owner of PIF Samaritan Services in Scottsdale, AZ, where she continues her mission of service and support to the first responder community.