After their 2023 Employee Engagement Survey revealed that only 63% of their employees felt recognized, Children’s Nebraska implemented employee recognition through Awardco. Through their efforts, they saw a huge jump in employees who feel recognized in their 2024 survey (which is now 11.4 points above the healthcare overall benchmark).

How did they handle implementing a new program to see such success in a difficult industry? One of the main strategies they implemented was holding 1:1 training with all executive leaders before launch to build excitement and get buy-in. This has led to their Administration/Executive team giving the most recognitions out of all of the departments.

The other change management strategy Children’s Nebraska leaned into was creating multiple custom recognition programs to highlight the unique nature of healthcare and the patient experience. These programs include:

• A Sunshine Spirit Week with daily recognition prompts
• Well-being programs and incentives
• New employee onboarding program
• Safety program that awards those who catch safety errors
• Program that allows their therapy dogs to “recognize”
• Monthly value-driven recognition award for one giver and receiver

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