Explore the new State of Recognition 2026 report

 

External Recognition™

Recognition from the outside in

Give customers, patients, clients, and partners an easy way to spotlight your employees—no login required.

How It Works

What is External Recognition?

Provide customer-facing roles with customer-sourced compliments.

Administrative Flexibility

External recognition made easy

Awardco makes it easy to source and display recognitions from satisfied customers.

Print or Link QR Codes

Outside parties scan an employee’s personalized code to recognize them instantly for the entire organization to see.

Celebrate Wins

Add simple approval flows and optional points to celebrate standout employees to make sure no good work goes unnoticed.

Only From Awardco

Where External Recognition works

Healthcare

After receiving outstanding care, a patient’s family scans the nurse’s QR code and shares a meaningful message—instantly visible on Awardco to all employees—inspiring better care everywhere.

 
Food Service

After great service, diners scan a QR code and leave recognition for their server. Their manager adds points, and it’s posted for the team to celebrate, encouraging continued spectacular service.

 
Education

A simple thank you from a student shows a teacher their extra effort mattered. Recognition that deepens connection and fuels engagement from student and teacher builds a better world for everyone.

 
Retail

A grateful customer scans a QR code to recognize a cashier’s friendly service. It’s instant, visible, and celebrated company-wide, which builds a culture of customer service that will set you apart.

 
Hospitality

After a technician finishes a job with care and professionalism, the homeowner scans a QR code to send recognition. The shoutout is instantly visible across the company, boosting pride and inspiring service excellence in every home.

 

Testimonials

What our customers say

It has been exciting to see the increased engagement around recognition, and how the platform has encouraged team members to support each other in new ways.
Deanna Dennis
Sr. Manager, Team Member Experience
Pilot Company
We selected Awardco after a focus group review. It was hands down unanimous. Everyone loved how clean, easy, and intuitive Awardco was, especially the ‘Who do you want to recognize?’ prompt right when you log in.
Selia Wood
AVP, Talent & Engagement
Lockton
Recognition is powerful. When you recognize someone, you feel just as good as when you’re being recognized. The Awardco feed is my ‘positive scroll.’ It lifts everyone’s spirits.
Tisa Penny
Engagement & Events Lead, 2025 Recognition Rockstar Winner
Lockton
Since implementing Awardco, we’ve saved at least 30 hours a month that used to be spent manually tracking, purchasing, and mailing gifts. Now it’s all automated—and more empowering for our associates.
Selia Wood
AVP, Talent & Engagement
Lockton
Lockton was already great—but we were terrible at marketing how amazing it truly was. Awardco helps us amplify that greatness, especially as we grow.
Melissa York
SVP, Head of People & Culture
Lockton
When we implemented Awardco, we refreshed everything and synced all service dates to our HRIS. It works flawlessly now—and the person who used to manage that spreadsheet is very happy.
Dawn Bloch
Chief People Officer
NIBCO
Whether it’s recognizing a peer or a member of our team, Awardco is so simple and intuitive.
Cassidy Barsdoff
Director, Project Management Office
Kodiak
We've put a lot of resources and focus on associate engagement and overall morale and wellness. Because of the initiatives that we've put forth this year, we've realized an 8.2% reduction in our turnover rate.
Dawn Bloch
Chief People Officer
NIBCO

Integrations

Simplify your workflow

Make recognition part of the daily flow of work, building culture at every touchpoint.

Let everyone say thanks

Close the loop on recognition by enabling customers, patients, and partners to celebrate great work through External Recognition.