External recognition Experience recognition in the real world See how external recognition connects customers, patients, and clients to the people who make a difference. Get a demo Built for connection, powered by design Smart recognition management Simple, streamlined controls make it easy for admins to keep your external recognition program consistent, compliant, and meaningful. Smart admin approval center Multi-language support Edit, deny, or approve recognitions AI-powered support Smart AI support helps guide inclusive language, protects personal information, and ensures the right employee gets the credit they deserve. Inclusion coach Smart-assisted search Filters for inappropriate content and personal information Quality control Customizable program design Customizable design ensures your external recognition program aligns with your brand identity — consistent, familiar, and reflective of your organization’s culture. White-label design and confirmation Recognition types Mobile-ready Personalized newsfeed External Recognition FAQs What is an external recognition program? An external recognition program is a tool that enables customers, patients, and partners to recognize employees directly. It captures authentic feedback in the moment and empowers the people beyond an organization to celebrate employees for the impact they make both inside and outside the organization. Who is an external recognition program meant for? External recognition programs are designed for organizations with customer-facing and frontline teams — from healthcare and manufacturing to finance services, professional services, hourly employees, and technicians. They give patients, customers, guests, and clients an easy way to recognize the employees who make a real impact every day. Why is an external recognition program important? An external recognition program is important because, according to Achievers’ External Recognition Report, 70% of frontline workers feel disconnected from their organization’s culture. By giving customers, patients, guests, and clients a voice, these programs help close that gap — reinforcing purpose, strengthening connection, and making appreciation a visible part of everyday work. When should external recognitionprograms be used? External recognition programs can be used anytime a guest, customer, patient, or client experiences exceptional service or support. Whether it’s a kind word after a hospital visit or a thank-you after a successful project, external recognition makes it simple to share that appreciation in the moment — and shows how organizations can leverage external recognition to strengthen culture and connection over time. How does an external recognition program work? An external recognition program works through simple, accessible tools that make it easy for people outside your organization to recognize employees instantly. Using QR codes or unique links, recognitions are submitted in real time. Admins can review and approve recognitions, while AI assists with employee matching, inclusivity, and quality control before recognitions appear on your company's R&R platform. Want a step-by-step guide to getting started? Check out the External Recognition Checklist to learn how to design a program that's visible, inclusive, and high impact from day one. Where are external recognitions shared on the program? Approved recognitions are shared on your organization’s R&R platform, where employees can like, comment, and boost them. This visibility connects external appreciation to your internal culture — turning customer and patient gratitude into moments that inspire the entire team. All of our products, one platform Explore the full platform Recognize Reward Celebrate Communications Employee connections Voice of employee Pulse surveys External recognition Monetary & non-monetary recgonition Custom newsfeed Nomination-based awards Reports and analytics Simple program setup All of our products, one platform Explore the full platform Recognize Monetary & non-monetary recgonition Custom newsfeed Nomination-based awards Reports and analytics Simple program setup See our recognize product Reward Travel store Gift cards Reloadable cash rewards Branded swag Concierge See our reward product Celebrate Years of service Custom celebration cards Onboarding See our celebrate product Communications Resource pages Announcements Mobile notifications Explore communications Employee connections Enhance your onboarding program Boost ERG participation Overcome geographic barriers Explore employee connections Voice of employee Gather continuous feedback Support the employee lifecycle Measure and drive results Explore voice of employee Pulse surveys Smart surverys, powered by research Data-driven tools for stronger teams Visual data for better decisions Explore pulse surveys External recognition Smart recognition management AI-powered support Customizable program design Personalized demo Want to see more? Experience the difference an external recognition program makes. Get a demo