Global recognition program playbook

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The Global recognition program playbook is your essential guide to building a scalable, high-impact recognition program that lands across regions, cultures, and teams. Recognition isn’t just a feel-good gesture — it’s a proven driver of culture, engagement, and performance. And consistency is where recognition becomes powerful. Organizations that prioritize employee recognition are better equipped to shape culture, drive engagement, and deliver measurable business results.

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling an existing initiative, this playbook walks you through every step of launching a global recognition program that truly works. From setting clear objectives to choosing the right platform, it’s packed with actionable insights, practical templates, and expert guidance to help you build a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated.

Inside, you’ll learn why employee recognition is a must-have for global success. Backed by research from Achievers Workforce Institute (AWI), the playbook reveals how monthly recognition can triple engagement and significantly boost employees’ sense of belonging. You’ll discover how leading companies like Schneider Electric and General Motors have used recognition to unify their workforce and drive real change — across 115 countries and thousands of employees.

The playbook outlines step-by-step strategies for launching and scaling your employee recognition program.

Here’s what you’ll learn in the global employee recognition program playbook:

1. Define measurable objectives aligned with company values
2. Choose a scalable platform with multilingual support and seamless integrations
3. Design culturally relevant recognition methods and rewards
4. Engage managers and employees with communication strategies and training
5. Launch pilot programs, gather feedback, and iterate for success

Driving adoption and measuring success

You’ll also find proven tactics to drive adoption and participation. From gamification and peer-to-peer recognition to leadership endorsement and ongoing training, the playbook shows how to make recognition part of daily work. With tools like Achievers’ Boost, Announcements, and Manager Toolkit, you’ll be equipped to build momentum and sustain engagement.

And because success doesn’t stop at launch, the playbook includes tools to measure impact and continuously improve. With real-time analytics, customizable reporting, and Voice of Employee feedback tools, you’ll be able to track ROI, course-correct, and amplify what’s working — all while keeping your workforce connected and motivated.

Why recognition changes everything

The data is clear: recognition is one of the most powerful drivers of workforce performance.

AWI research shows that employees recognized at least monthly are 3x more engaged and 2.5x more likely to feel a sense of belonging. When people feel genuinely seen and appreciated, they stay connected to their work, their teams, and your values. At a global scale, those recognition moments become exactly what organizations need to strengthen culture and drive business results — everywhere.

Ready to launch your global recognition program?

Whether you’re a global enterprise or scaling across regions, this playbook helps you build a global recognition program that’s personal, powerful, and proven.

Download now to start shaping your workforce with recognition that drives results.