According to Gallup, recognition not only boosts individual employee engagement, but it also increases productivity and loyalty to the company, leading to higher retention. Employee Engagement has long been an important focus in the Aboitiz Group through countless initiatives and activities to maintain high levels of engagement, as well as breaking down silos and creating a collaborative environment for its team leaders and team members. However, being apart due to the pandemic has made the task a challenge. How does one celebrate as a team? How do we stay proud of our achievements when we’re physically distant from each other?
AEV HR’s Recog-NICE program does just that. Recog-NICE is an AEV recognition program that aims to bring the spotlight to the team leader’s and team member’s achievements, whether as a team or individually, with two ways of celebrating these achievements—People Stories and Badges.
Employee engagement is as important as your daily operations. Keeping the spirits lifted despite the distance is a challenge in this new normal and in the digital age, there are countless opportunities on how to keep in touch. This is where Recog-NICE comes in – to boost productivity and make everyone’s hard work and effort, whether big or small, be given a spotlight.
– Erika Tan, Talent Optimization and Engagement Associate, AEV
Spotlight Is On You
The Recog-NICE program started as short features or people stories where achievements are celebrated and shared on AGORA, the Aboitiz Group’s Workplace by Facebook. From stories of gaining a new certification in their field to showcasing their good deeds by living out our core values, AEV makes sure that these stories do not go unnoticed.
Each feature celebrates our A-People’s achievements and moments that make Aboitiz proud to have them as Team Leaders and Team Members. AEV has featured countless team members who have continued to excel in their field by continuously receiving awards and certifications in their specialized fields. In addition, Recog-NICE also acknowledges A-People who have been great examples of living out the company’s core values such as donating a raffle prize loot from the company Christmas party to Taal Volcano eruption evacuees as well as volunteering their time to care for frontliners amid the pandemic.
Recognition is not just about highlighting what the good things the person did. It is a simple yet powerful tool to uplift people’s morale and performance. It multiplies exponentially when others take notice. I felt good, hyped, and motivated when I was recognized. It’s a confirmation at some point, I am living the values of our organization.
– Burn De Guzman, Talent Systems and Process Officer, AEV
Recognition Goes Digital
Shortly after, a new way of giving recognition to boost employee engagement was introduced to AEV. Through the new HR system, MyTX, Team Leaders and Team Members alike are encouraged to give a badge via MyTX to a colleague for a job well done or to simply give them a virtual high five, especially since the pandemic has made us out of touch (literally and figuratively) with colleagues.
There are currently six badges that can be given year-round: the Aboitiz values of integrity, teamwork, innovation, and responsibility; a general Great Job badge; and The Flash Badge that is awarded to TLs and TMs who work quick and deliver quality output. They can also be accompanied by short notes. ‘Seasonal’ badges are also available for a short time.
It is essential to consistently connect in a kind and positive manner, especially in light of the challenging work environment where we are all operating on virtual platforms of communication and engagement. Recognizing laudable performance and contributions by fellow team members is a great way to bring out the best in each other, motivate towards excellence, and improve productivity in our organizations. So reach out and Recog-NICE a deserving team member today!
– Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, VP for Reputation Management, AEV
These stories and badges have been keeping the TLs and TMs spirits up long before the pandemic hit, and even more so now. Everyone is encouraged to give a badge even from on Team Member to a Team Leader. Truly, it’s a Recog-NICE badge of honor every TL and TM should be proud of.
