Rec·og·ni·tion
/ˌrekəɡˈniSH(ə)n/
noun
1. appreciation or acclaim for an achievement, service, or ability.
"The manager gave them recognition for their hard work on the latest project."
Ap·pre·ci·a·tion
/əˌprēSHēˈāSH(ə)n/
noun
1. recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something.
"I show appreciation to the team with some kitchen treats and a thank you note."
Grat·i·tude
ɡradəˌt(y)o͞od
noun
1. the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
"She expressed her gratitude to her team for the thoughtful card celebrating her promotion."
Source: Oxford English Dictionary
A culture of appreciation starts with recognizing and valuing the contributions of others. Recognition, appreciation, and gratitude are powerful tools for building a positive workplace culture. At the University of Waterloo, fostering a culture of appreciation is an important part of living our shared values: Thinking Differently, Acting with Purpose and Working Together.
On this page, you'll find a variety of ways to recognize great work — from everyday expressions of appreciation and campus-wide events to formal awards and recognition programs. With resources for both employees and people leaders, there are opportunities for everyone to celebrate contributions, express gratitude, and participate in the reciprocal practice of recognizing one another's impact. Together, these moments help strengthen relationships, foster belonging, and contribute to a stronger and more connected University of Waterloo community.
Recognition Programs and Awards
Anytime feedback in Workday
Giving feedback builds our culture – and that’s a good thing. Employees have asked for a way to provide feedback to one another, and Workday gives us that capability. Feedback is one of the simplest ways we support each other and recognize great work. Workday is designed to help us:
- Celebrate contributions and impact
- Strengthen relationships and trust
- Support learning and growth
- Live our values: Thinking Differently, Acting with Purpose, Working Together
Giving feedback does not have to be formal or difficult – it starts with noticing and taking a moment to share.
Values at work
Canada’s most innovative University is driven by its people. At Waterloo, we think differently, act with purpose, and work together. These are the values that transform ideas into action.
That needs to be celebrated, and that’s why we have our Values at work.
This recognition program reinforces our shared values at work and celebrates our talented employees. To recognize someone is quick and easy: share a short quote about a colleague or a team you agree reflects one or more of our institutional values. They’ll be featured on the Values website, and those who have been recognized will be mentioned in the Daily Bulletin each month. They’ll also be entered into a draw (each term) for a W Store gift card.
Waterloo Values Award
These awards celebrate individuals and teams who bring the University of Waterloo's values to life through their actions, behaviours, and impact; strengthening our culture, supporting our community, and advancing our shared commitment to thinking differently, acting with purpose, and working together.
All employees are eligible to be nominated. Find more details on the Values website and nominate someone today!
The Years of Distinguished Service Celebration
Every year, the University of Waterloo comes together to celebrate the people who make our institution exceptional. The Years of Distinguished Service Celebration recognizes employees reaching important career milestones through both the Loyal Service milestones and Long Service Awards programs. From five years of service to more than forty, these milestones represent years of dedication, hard work, and invaluable contributions to our campus community. It's an opportunity to honour accomplishments, share in the celebration, and thank employees for the impact they have made throughout their careers at Waterloo.
Each year, the Office of the President invites eligible employees from participating employee groups to be recognized and celebrated with colleagues at these special events, held each fall.
10/10 day with UWSA
“10/10 Day” is the University of Waterloo Staff Association's (UWSA) annual event on October 10 where members share what they appreciate about their colleagues. They are asked to give out “10 out of 10” accolades to co-workers who create a positive and inclusive work environment, are understanding and supportive of others, who share their expertise to help others learn and grow, and are generous collaborators.
Follow the @uwstaffassociation on Instagram for more stories about the great work staff are doing throughout the month of October — but why wait? Tell your colleagues what you appreciate about them today!
Recognition in Action
Employees
Thank you starts here
Great work deserves recognition. Whether you are looking for a quick way to thank a team member, planning a meaningful gesture for your department, or exploring formal recognition opportunities, this page is designed to help.
Discover effortless ways to show appreciation, learn about university-wide recognition events, and explore programs that celebrate outstanding contributions across campus. Together, we can create a culture where appreciation is a regular part of how we work and support one another.
People leaders
Recognition matters
Recognition is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support employee engagement, promote ongoing performance development, and foster a positive workplace culture. A sincere expression of appreciation can strengthen relationships, reinforce positive contributions, and remind employees that their efforts are seen and valued.
10 Easy ways to recognize great work
Who we work with matters. Some of the most meaningful appreciation comes from our colleagues who see the effort, collaboration, and support that is happening every day. Whether it's a quick thank you or celebrating a teammate's success, small acts of recognition can help create a more positive, connected workplace.
- Say 'Thank you'
A sincere thank you never goes out of style. Let a colleague know you noticed their effort and why it made a difference.
"Thank you for helping me troubleshoot that issue. I really appreciate your support."
- Celebrate a colleague's success
When a teammate achieves a goal, completes a project, or reaches a milestone, take a moment to congratulate them. Sharing in someone's success helps build a culture of appreciation. - Send a Thoughtful Message
Feedback in Workday, a quick email, Teams message, eCard, or handwritten note can brighten someone's day and let them know their contributions matter.
- Give a shout-out
Recognize a colleague during a team meeting, in a group chat, using Values at Work, or through a department communication channel. Public recognition can help others see the positive impact they're making.
- Share positive feedback
If someone has helped you, tell them. Then consider going one step further and tell others when appropriate. Sharing positive feedback can boost confidence and reinforce great work.
- Include and invite
Recognition can be as simple as inviting a colleague to join a meeting, contribute an idea, share their expertise, or participate in a project. Helping others feel included is a meaningful form of appreciation.
- Celebrate milestones together
Acknowledge work anniversaries, project completions, retirements, educational achievements, or personal milestones. Small celebrations can make memorable moments even more special.
- Offer a helping hand
One of the best ways to recognize someone's efforts is to support them when they need it. Helping during a busy time shows appreciation through action.
- Nominate someone
Take advantage of formal recognition opportunities available at the University. Our Values in Action: Waterloo Employee Recognition Awards is the perfect solution! A nomination can be a powerful way to celebrate a colleague's or team’s contributions and accomplishments.
- Make appreciation part of your day
Recognition doesn't have to wait for a special occasion. Taking a few moments each week to express gratitude can help create a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.
A final thought
The best recognition is genuine, personal, and comes from the heart. Whether it's a kind word, a note of thanks, a nomination, or lending a helping hand, every act of appreciation helps strengthen our community and contributes to a positive and supportive University of Waterloo workplace.
10 Easy ways to recognize great work
Recognition does not need a budget, a nomination form, or a special occasion. Often, the most meaningful appreciation is timely, genuine, and personal. Every team is different, so use these ideas as inspiration and adapt them to what works best in your area.
- Say ‘Thank You’ — often and specifically
A simple thank you can go a long way. Instead of a general “good job,” highlight what the person did and why it mattered.
“Thank you for stepping in to help with that project. Your flexibility made a real difference.”
- Give a shout-out
Celebrate successes publicly during team meetings, in emails, using Values at Work, or through team or campus communication channels. Sharing great work helps others understand the impact being made.
- Write it down
Feedback in Workday, a handwritten note, eCard, or thoughtful email can become something employees keep and revisit long after the moment has passed.
- Create time to celebrate
Bring the team together for coffee, treats, lunch, or an ice cream break. Sometimes appreciation looks like taking a moment to connect and enjoy each other's company. - Support professional growth
Recognize potential by encouraging learning opportunities, conferences, mentorship, stretch assignments, or professional development activities.
- Give the gift of time
Where operationally possible, offer flexibility, an early finish, a longer lunch, or dedicated focus time after a particularly busy period.
- Mark milestones
Celebrate work anniversaries, project completions, retirements, certifications, birthdays, and other meaningful moments. Small acknowledgements make big memories.
- Connect employees with leadership
Help employees gain visibility by sharing their accomplishments with senior leaders or creating opportunities for them to showcase their work. Mentorship and sponsorship are critical opportunities for recognition, growth, and engagement.
- Let them choose
Invite employees to share how they prefer to be recognized. Some appreciate public praise, while others prefer a quiet thank you or development opportunity. Be sure to make your feedback personal and meaningful for the individual or group receiving it.
- Make recognition a habit
The best recognition is not reserved for special occasions. Small, consistent acts of appreciation throughout the year builds trust and can help to create a culture where people feel valued every day.
Some final thoughts
Use these ideas as a starting point and do not be afraid to make them your own. You know your employees best. When recognition is genuine and consistent, it reinforces the sense of belonging that helps individuals and teams flourish. Every expression of appreciation contributes to a stronger, more engaged workplace, helping people feel seen, valued, and inspired to bring their best each day. Together, we can create an environment where contributions are celebrated, people feel a strong sense of belonging, and appreciation is part of our everyday culture.
Employee Appreciation Day
National Employee Appreciation Day is all about celebrating the people who keep our organizations moving forward. Held on the first Friday in March, it's an opportunity to recognize the hard work, talent, and positive impact employees bring to their teams and communities every day. So, mark your calendar, spread some gratitude, and have some fun celebrating the incredible contributions of our employees!