Oct. 1, 2018
Five ways to show appreciation to your colleagues this Thanksgiving
Printed recognition cards are available to all university employees who would like to say thanks.
Haskayne School of Business
Whether it’s cooking a turkey dinner or spending time with loved ones, the Thanksgiving season is all about recognizing and appreciating our own good fortunes. Start your Thanksgiving journey at UCalgary by recognizing a colleague who supported you during a project, encouraged you to reach higher or helped make your workplace a fulfilling place to be.
1. Learn more about the power of appreciation
It’s no secret recognizing employees and colleagues leads to a heightened sense of belonging, increased productivity and growth in job satisfaction. Not only that, it deepens team connection and trust. Read the Recognition Toolkit to learn more about how recognition can make a world of difference to your workplace.
Never used the UCalgary’s recognition tools? Learn more about all the ways you can make a difference with the Recognition Refresh Tool and the Recognition, Respect & Engagement Best Practices.
The Faculty of Social Work surprised Dean Jackie Sieppert with several recognition stars.
2. Be recognition-proactive
Recognition can happen any time of year, and the best kind of recognition is the kind that lasts. Many faculties and units in all corners of the university have started their own unique recognition committees to ensure a well-rounded, intentional approach to recognition.
Get inspiration to start your own committee: Read what the Haskayne School of Business and Active Living experienced creating their recognition committees.
3. Nominate a colleague or team for formal recognition
The University of Calgary supports various formal programs and provides all members of the community the opportunity to recognize each other's efforts, professional achievements and community involvement:
- Internationalization Achievement Awards (deadline Oct. 31)
- Teaching Awards
- Sustainability Awards
- U Make a Difference Awards
The Haskayne School of Business is always eager to recognize the faculty and staff's hard work, too.
4. Use the everyday recognition tools available
Daily recognition practices are essential to a solid culture of recognition and a positive work environment in the workplace. Centrally funded recognition print cards and eNotes, as well as various templates and tips on the recognition website, will help you recognize the contributions of others on a regular basis.
5. Try new recognition ideas and approaches
In today’s diverse workforce, there are many unique ways to give appreciation to your colleagues. Whether it’s one of UCalgary’s digital recognition tools, hard-copy tools or a tweet sent using the hashtag #UCalgaryRecognition, recognition should be tailored and meaningful. Think about your team members, and what kind of thanks would light up their day.
Visit the recognition website for even more ideas.
The University of Calgary is a recipient of the 2018 Best Recognition Program Award by the Recognition Professionals International. The university is committed to promoting and enhancing a strong culture of recognition within the university community at all levels. UCalgary supports faculty and staff to learn, reflect, and explore new approaches to recognition and appreciation in the workplace. Visit ucalgary.ca/recognition to discover more.
The Taylor Institute offers teaching awards to celebrate teaching excellence and recognize faculty.