When it comes to building a team that actually wants to stick around, recognition is everything. Research from Gallup and Workhuman shows that employees who receive high-quality recognition are 45% less likely to leave their job after two years, and are five times more likely to feel valued and motivated at work.
It is not just about pizza parties or a casual "good job" once in a while. Employees want to feel genuinely valued, respected, and seen for their contributions. Companies that prioritize recognition consistently see higher retention rates, stronger performance, and a healthier workplace culture.
If you are serious about creating that kind of environment, you need the right recognition tools in your back pocket. Here are the top five recognition awards that do more than just check a box and make employees feel truly appreciated.
1. Employee Reward Medallions: Instant Morale Boosters
There is something powerful about a tangible, personalized reward that employees can wear with pride.
Employee Reward Medallions from Imprint Plus are designed exactly for that.
Simple yet meaningful, these medallions are a quick, low-cost way to highlight wins big and small, from top monthly performers to customer service heroes.
Why they work:
- Visibility: A medallion worn on a badge means constant, public recognition.
- Motivation: Employees feel an immediate sense of accomplishment.
- Momentum: Recognition spreads positivity, inspiring others to step up too.
These little rewards punch way above their weight. They transform everyday appreciation into a culture of celebration.
Pro Tip: Use Employee Reward Medallions as part of a "spot award" program where managers can hand them out spontaneously. The surprise factor makes it even more memorable.
2. Years of Service Reward Medallions: Loyalty Deserves a Spotlight
Loyal employees are the backbone of any thriving company. If you are not celebrating work anniversaries, you are missing a huge opportunity to deepen loyalty even further.
Imprint Plus’ Years of Service Reward Medallions give you a polished, professional way to honor milestones whether it is one year, five years, or twenty.
Why they work:
- Validation: Long-term service is a major achievement. It deserves more than a passing mention in a meeting.
- Tangible proof: Having a physical reminder of their journey creates emotional connection.
- Brand Alignment: Years of Service Medallions are sleek, customizable, and easily integrate into your existing badge systems.
When employees feel their loyalty is noticed and celebrated, they are more likely to keep investing their time and energy with you.
Pro Tip: Pair a Years of Service Medallion with a handwritten note from a senior leader for an even bigger emotional impact.
3. Star Reward Medallions: Spotlight the Standouts
Everyone loves a little moment in the sun. Star Reward Medallions from Imprint Plus are perfect for celebrating those shining moments like big project completions, major sales wins, standout teamwork, or even just a stretch of consistently amazing work.
Why they work:
- Symbolism: Stars are a universal symbol of excellence.
- Instant recognition: It is quick to give and easy to understand.
- Team dynamics: Highlighting standout efforts boosts the whole team because the criteria feel clear and fair.
Psychologically, being seen as a “star” taps into a deep human need for significance. It tells employees their excellence is noticed, not taken for granted.
Pro Tip: Tie Star Reward Medallions into quarterly awards to create a rhythm of regular recognition.
4. Badge Talkers: Make Recognition Part of Everyday Work Life
Recognition should not be something that only happens at formal events. Badge Talkers from Imprint Plus let you weave recognition into the everyday moments that matter most.
A Badge Talker is an add-on that clips onto a name badge, calling out achievements like "Top Performer," "5 Years Strong," or "Customer Favorite." It is subtle, visual, and powerful.
Why they work:
- Everyday visibility: Employees wear their accomplishments proudly all day, every day.
- Peer validation: Coworkers and customers notice and celebrate achievements too.
- Workplace pride: They create a natural boost in morale without needing a big program launch.
Instead of relying on occasional shoutouts, Badge Talkers embed recognition into your team’s daily experience.
Pro Tip: Rotate new Badge Talkers every quarter to keep things fresh and exciting.
5. Team Awards that Tie it All Together: Celebrate Collective Wins
Recognition is not only an individual thing. Celebrating teams for collaboration, creativity, or smashing shared goals can transform your culture from competitive to connected.
Here is how you can do it:
- Give each team member an Employee Reward Medallion or Star Reward Medallion for a collective win.
- Create a recognition wall in the office or intranet highlighting winning teams.
- Celebrate team achievements in your newsletters, meetings, and social media.
Why it works:
- Shared identity: It builds stronger bonds between team members.
- Pride: It connects personal effort to larger shared goals.
- Momentum: Teams are motivated to repeat successes and innovate further.
Team awards remind everyone that when one person wins, the whole team wins too.
Why Recognition Matters More Than Ever
The modern workforce expects more than a paycheck. People want to be respected, appreciated, and truly seen for what they bring to the table.
Recognition taps into four core psychological needs: status, belonging, achievement, and respect. When you meet those needs consistently, employees are more loyal, more productive, and more willing to advocate for your brand.
At Imprint Plus, we make it easy to create a recognition-rich culture without adding layers of complexity. Our Employee Reward Medallions, Years of Service Reward Medallions, Star Reward Medallions, and Badge Talkers fit seamlessly into your badge programs and work beautifully in almost any industry.
Want to start building a workplace where your team feels truly seen and valued?
Explore Reward Medallions and Badge Talkers from Imprint Plus today to make recognition part of your culture.
