How to supercharge recognition with symbolic awards

Why a job well done needs to be properly celebrated to have any meaning in the workplace

Recognition can’t be an afterthought, but must be prioritised for the full benefits to be felt.

And as part of every robust recognition programme, there must be meaningful celebrations in which individuals are appreciated for their efforts and results in ways that amplify the recognition experience. Using symbolic awards can help to achieve this, making both small and large-scale celebrations memorable and impactful.

Symbols can be moving and inspiring, from a simple heart that symbolises love through to religious and political symbols that unite beliefs. They are part of the fabric of everyday life, with the messages and emotions behind symbols often more impactful than words.

Symbolism in symbols

As Scottish playwright Grant Morrison once said: “Truth speaks best in the language of poetry and symbolism,” getting to the essence of why symbols are so powerful – they connect us to what’s truly important.

The use of symbolic awards when recognising an employee’s efforts and achievements increases feelings of appreciation and belonging, as well as the likelihood of improved cultural and business outcomes.

For example, O.C. Tanner’s 2023 Global Culture Report reveals that when a career recognition experience includes a symbolic award, it increases the employee’s connection with their team by 397%, their leader by 281%, and the organisation by 429%. Employees who receive symbolic awards also have a higher overall probability of staying at their organisation than those who don’t.

An effective symbolic award shouldn’t be an off-the-shelf trophy but tailored to the organisation – a token that connects the company’s rich history, values and culture with the individual’s achievements.

Communicating is what’s important

And it doesn’t need to be costly and elaborate, but must instead be able to communicate a rich story that’s personal and inspiring.

By concentrating on making the award meaningful rather than expensive, this will allow symbols to be incorporated into recognition ceremonies on a more regular basis rather than using them for the occasional career celebration.

In fact, organisations should provide symbolic awards early into an employee’s career, finding ways to incorporate them into the onboarding experience, for example.

And to ensure the symbolic award has maximum impact, it must be paired with a special and truly meaningful recognition celebration.

Handing over the award in front of a few colleagues and with minimal fanfare is unlikely to illicit a powerful response from the recipient, and will end up being a lost opportunity. Instead, the celebration must be timely, well-planned, intentional, personalised and, where possible, involve managers, peers and even family members.

So, symbolic awards can positively impact recognition-wide events, elevating a recognition moment so that it’s fondly remembered for months, if not years to come. By supercharging a recognition event using symbolics, employees start to feel a powerful sense of belonging and an integral part of the company’s success story.