Recognition
Last updated: August 26, 2025
Creating a culture of everyday appreciation
This toolkit gives you tools and ideas to recognize your team’s contributions, strengthen connection, and create a culture of appreciation where everyone feels seen.
Recognizing service milestones
We encourage you to recognize staff at 1 and 3-year milestones and then starting in year five, staff also may chose to receive a service award for their continuous service (e.g., 5, 10, 15-year milestones).
UW-wide recognition and award programs
Consider nominating staff who make extraordinary contributions to UW for a Distinguished Staff Award or a David B. Thorud Leadership Award.
Create a unit-level recognition program
A strong unit-level recognition program creates space for that kind of everyday appreciation to thrive. When employees are empowered to recognize one another, it builds trust, reinforces shared values, and fosters a culture where everyone feels seen.
Employee recognition FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about employee recognition.