Externally-sourced Employee REcognition

External recognition enables customers, vendors, partners, or other stakeholders to acknowledge and show appreciation for the work of employees. The intention is to help those customer-facing employees see that their work matters by being recognized by the people they spend the most time with.

For example, a nurse may not get recognized by others in the healthcare organization because her work is out of the spotlight and everyone is so busy. But with External Recognition, that nurses patients can use the company platform to express their appreciation for the nurse’s care.

External recognition comes from sources outside the company. It’s getting a pat on the back from someone who isn’t directly connected to your workplace.nI

Internal recognition comes from within the company. It's getting a high-five or a “job well done” from a coworker or manager.Both types of recognition are important for morale and motivation, but they offer different benefits. External recognition can boost an employee’s reputation and credibility outside the company, while internal recognition can strengthen relationships and create a positive work environment.

External recognition is beneficial for employees because it boosts morale, enhances their professional reputation, and improves stakeholder relationships. 

When customers, patients, vendors, or partners acknowledge an employee’s work, it shows that their efforts are valued beyond the company. This big-picture perspective leads to a greater sense of accomplishment and motivation.

External recognition is valuable for any industry, organization, or employee that interacts with customers. This includes sectors like:
‍
Healthcare
Food service
Entertainment
Service industries (e.g., customer support, technical support)
Retail
Automotive repair
And many others

Three notable features drive Awardco’s External Recognition program: 

1. AI: Awardco AI will automatically filter out inappropriate or personally identifiable content, ensuring a smooth approval process and protecting employee privacy.

2. Segmenting by location: The ability to segment external recognitions by location simplifies the process of finding the right employee and sharing recognitions with the right people.

3. Admin approval: Admins have full authority to review and modify external recognitions before they are made public, including the ability to approve, reject, edit, or enhance the rewards linked to them.

Example 1: A patient is treated very well by their nurse. After returning home, the patient submits a message of gratitude to the nurse via a QR code, noting their appreciation for the nurse’s empathetic approach. 

Example 2: An employee in a retail store helps a customer find what they need for their upcoming backpacking trip. The manager pulls the employee aside to show them the recognition they received from the happy customer, thanking them for their expertise and assistance.