This white paper outlines a practical approach to using employee recognition as a lever for behavior change and organizational alignment. Drawing on research and real-world examples, it presents a five-step roadmap for building or refining recognition programs that connect to business goals, reflect company values, and improve employee engagement.

Key areas covered include gaining executive buy-in, defining measurable goals, personalizing recognition for different employee personas, and leveraging data for continuous improvement. The paper also highlights how recognition impacts outcomes such as retention, productivity, and culture—providing a framework for organizations to evaluate and evolve their existing programs.