Recognition is often treated as a nice-to-have, but the latest research shows it is one of the most practical levers organizations can use to strengthen engagement, retention, and employee well-being. In this interactive session, Laura Shanley and Christi Gilhoi will explore how organizations can build recognition into your total rewards strategy that supports change, strengthens culture, and creates momentum across the employee journey. From onboarding and early career connection to key milestones, leadership moments, and long-term retention, they will share practical ways to assess what is working, identify where recognition is breaking down, why there is resistance, and rethink outdated approaches that no longer match the needs of today’s workforce.

Participants will engage in table-based discussions with two seasoned practitioners in the recognition and rewards space to compare challenges, surface opportunities inside their own organizations, and leave with practical ideas for building recognition strategies that are more intentional, scalable, and sustainable through change.

Key Takeaways

• Integrate recognition into your total rewards strategy to drive engagement and retention.
• Audit current recognition practices to identify breakdowns, resistance, and outdated approaches.
• Design scalable, intentional recognition strategies that adapt to organizational change.