Employee Recognition and Appreciation
Recognition and Appreciation
The last several months have marked an unprecedented time at McMaster, across our country, and around the world. As we react to this evolving situation, we are enormously grateful for the kindness, resiliency, flexibility, professionalism, and commitment of our colleagues across the university. You are delivering services in new and innovative ways, demonstrating positive impact, and bringing the best possible experiences to employees and students. We just wanted you to know that we appreciate and value you!
This week our wellness team is focusing on recognition and appreciation. We hope you will find some new tools to help recognize and appreciate your colleagues and loved ones. As always, feel free to send us your own ideas at od@mcmaster.ca and we will endeavor to share these on our website or in future communications.
Formal Employee Recognition Programs
McMaster’s formal employee recognition programs such as the President’s Awards for Outstanding Service and Service Awards celebration are just two ways we show our appreciation. Join us in celebrating the recipients of this year’s employee awards!
President’s Awards for Outstanding Service
On July 22 at 11 a.m., all members of the McMaster community are encouraged to attend a video celebration to honour this year’s nominees and recipients of the President’s Awards for Outstanding Service in 2019. The celebration recognizes the 95 nominees who were acknowledged by McMaster colleagues as having made an outstanding contribution to the mission of the University. A link to access the video celebration will be available on the President’s Awards website before the launch. Congratulatory messages can also be sent by visiting the website.
Service Awards Celebration
McMaster University is grateful to be recognizing over 400 employees who are celebrating a service milestone, from 10 years of service, all the way to 45 years of service. Recognizing your peers, colleagues, and community members is an important way to demonstrate gratitude. We encourage the university community to view the list of recipients, and recognize those who have made a positive impact in your McMaster career. Please visit our Service Awards webpage to view and congratulate employees who are celebrating a service milestone.
Informal Employee Recognition Tools
Recognition may look a little different today than even a few months ago, but a meaningful experience is still crucial. Here are some tools that may help you create a meaningful recognition experience for your employees or colleagues.
- Learn best practices for virtual employee recognition experiences.
- Send a recognition message to an individual or team using MS Teams Praise function.
- Use virtual backgrounds to celebrate an employee’s accomplishment or a special event remotely.
- Use LinkedIn Kudos to congratulate and celebrate an employees success.
- Use KudoBoard to capture up to 10 messages that can be sent to an employee for any occasion for free.
- Continue to look for additional opportunities to engage your team with fun activities to celebrate their success.
Free Virtual Wellness Initiatives for McMaster Faculty and Staff
Learn more and register for upcoming sessions
Gratitude Photo Submissions (no registration required)
The Healthy Workplace Committee challenges the McMaster community to practise gratitude. Each day this week, we encourage you to post a photo to Twitter or Instagram, tagging @McMasterOD with photos of what you are thankful for, using #HealthyWorkplaceMcMaster. You can also submit all photos via email to healthyworkplace@mcmaster.ca. Not sure what to post? Not to worry, we’ve provided some ideas below!
- Who. Whether they are a family member, friend, or colleague, recognize and thank someone you are grateful for. Go one step further and write that person a thank you card or email.
- What. An item in your house or workplace that is of importance to you.
- Where. A place in your community, household, or workplace you are thankful for. It could be a favourite nature spot, cozy room, or a space that gives you inspiration.
- When. How do you like to spend your free time? Are there activities that you are grateful for?
- Why. Throughout your submissions, we would love to hear why you are thankful!
LIVE: Online Yoga
Thursdays, July 9 – 30 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Back by popular demand! Join Jenn Stanley for all-levels intro to yoga. This class will feature movement and poses with extra instruction for those new to the practice of yoga. The sessions will also include poses familiar to those with a regular practice. Participants will focus on intentional movement and breath with the goal of finishing the class feeling calm and ready to continue the day.
Virtual Learning Labs for Leaders: Enhanced Engagement Series
Weekly, beginning July 21 on various dates and times
In these upcoming webinars, the Organizational Development team will help leaders explore unique online tools and engagement techniques to enhance collaboration and communication efforts. Leaders will have the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions, along with some time to share their own tips and experiences.
Managing Remote Teams
July 28 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Many teams around the globe are working remotely or offering flexible work schedules due to the pandemic. Although remote work arrangements come with many benefits, including improved employee productivity and greater job satisfaction, as a leader, it’s important to understand what the barriers are and how to overcome them to build a successful and productive virtual team. During this one-hour wellness session, leaders will:
- Understand and recognize the challenges and strengths that a remote workforce brings
- Learn about what drives success in virtual teams
- Discover strategies that can increase remote employee engagement and productivity
Virtual Wellness ‘Crafternoon’ Break
July 29 from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
A creative act such as crafting can help focus the mind and has even been compared to meditation due to its calming effects on the brain and body. Even if you feel ‘not-so-crafty’, this session is designed with you in mind. In this session, registrants will participate in a virtual ‘hands-on’ session to make several beautiful, easy and useful projects from every day items around the house. Join us to craft along, or just watch and learn some tips from Craft Master, Laura Bartolini-Robinson.
Learn more about these and other upcoming sessions and register on our HR Events page.
Need Help?
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) – Homewood Health: If your stress is overwhelming, please reach out to your health care provider, or Homewood Health for support. Homewood Health continues to offer its telephonic counselling services. 1.800.663.1142
Contact:
Organizational Development, Human Resources Services
905-525-9140 ext. 24556
od@mcmaster.ca