Winning an Employee of the Year award is something that, even now—two decades later—still stays with me.
I never saw myself as the type to receive formal recognition in the workplace. The business I joined had its challenges, but I recognised the potential, I believed in what it was trying to achieve and I was excited by the opportunity.
Recognition When You Least Expect It
I wasn’t accustomed to workplace recognition. In truth, I’d never encountered it or expected it. I was surrounded by high performing people, people to this day I believe made that business tick more than I did, & consistently delivered. Like many, I believed good work would speak for itself. But being named Employee of the Year shifted something in me. It told me that what I was doing mattered—that people had noticed.
It wasn’t just a trophy or a title. It was an emotional moment of validation, it motivated me in ways I hadn’t anticipated, and it deepened my commitment to the team and the business.
What Made the Experience So Memorable?
Looking back now, it wasn’t just the award itself—it was the environment that made the recognition possible. This was a workplace where:
- People supported each other.
- Teams worked with purpose and energy.
- Individuals were empowered to try, fail, learn, and lead.
- New ways of working were implemented with speed and collaboration.
- Leaders led with clarity and humility.
It wasn’t perfect, there were lots of mistakes along the way—but the culture was strong. It was built on values, driven by people pulling in the same direction. In that kind of environment, recognition didn’t feel like a box-ticking exercise. It was authentic. It meant something.
Applauding People, Empowering Performance
The truth is, recognition doesn’t just impact the individual—it has a ripple effect across the business. When people are seen, supported, and appreciated, they give more of themselves. And when teams function like that, performance follows.
I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. Recognition isn’t fluff—it’s fuel.