Employee Recognition That Feels Human
Employee recognition software that helps teams appreciate everyday work through peer-to-peer recognition inside Slack and Microsoft Teams.
Slack
Microsoft Teams
4.8 on G2 • Trusted by 2,500+ teams worldwide
What is employee recognition?
Employee recognition is the practice of acknowledging and appreciating people for their contributions, effort, and impact at work. Effective recognition is specific, timely, and visible—and it reinforces the behaviors teams want to see more of.
Employee recognition, explained simply
- Employee recognition helps employees feel seen, valued, and motivated by their work
- It reinforces behaviors that align with company values
- Peer-to-peer recognition is more effective than manager-only programs
- Recognition works best when it is frequent, public, and tied to real work
Employee recognition programs often fail when recognition is infrequent, manager-only, or disconnected from real work.
In short: Employee recognition works best when people feel genuinely seen for everyday wins, not just big milestones.
Recognized employees typically:
- Feel appreciated for their contributions
- Stay motivated and engaged
- Build stronger trust with teammates
- Are more likely to repeat positive behaviors
Why employee recognition drives engagement
Recognition isn't about rewards—it's about reinforcement.
When effort goes unnoticed, motivation fades. When recognition happens consistently, teams feel valued and connected.
Strong recognition programs help teams:
- Improve morale and engagement
- Reinforce company values in real time
- Reduce burnout and disengagement
- Increase retention over time
Consistent employee recognition is also a proven driver of employee retention, helping teams reduce turnover over time.
Why recognition programs often fail
Many recognition efforts break down because they are:
- Infrequent — saved for annual reviews or quarterly awards
- Top—down only — limited to managers or HR
- Performative — generic praise without context
- Disconnected from daily work — outside the tools teams actually use
Recognition works best when it's lightweight, peer—driven, and part of everyday workflows.
Employee recognition vs employee engagement: what's the difference?
Employee recognition is a core driver of employee engagement, not a replacement for it.
| Employee Recognition | Employee Engagement |
|---|---|
| Focuses on appreciation and acknowledgment | Focuses on how people feel about their work |
| Happens in moments | Builds over time |
| Reinforces specific behaviors | Reflects overall connection and motivation |
Recognition fuels engagement. Consistent recognition is one of the strongest drivers of long—term employee engagement.
Examples of employee recognition at work
- A teammate publicly thanks a coworker in Slack for unblocking a project
- A team celebrates a work anniversary with a shared message
- Recognition is tagged to a company value like “#CustomerFirst”
- Peers regularly acknowledge behind-the-scenes work
How teams use HeyTaco for employee recognition
HeyTaco makes recognition easy, social, and consistent by meeting teams where they already work.
Peer-to-peer by design
Everyone gets a small number of tacos to give each day, encouraging thoughtful recognition rather than overuse.
Built into Slack and Microsoft Teams
Recognition happens naturally in the tools teams already use—no extra logins or platforms.
Lightweight and repeatable
Giving recognition takes seconds, making it easy to do regularly.
Public and positive
Recognition is visible, helping appreciation spread across teams.
HeyTaco is a peer-to-peer employee recognition platform designed to make appreciation part of daily work rather than a formal, top-down program.
Recognition that actually sticks
Recognition isn't built in annual programs—it's built in moments.
Teams using HeyTaco report more consistent recognition habits and stronger day-to-day connection because appreciation becomes part of how work gets done.
The result: teams feel more supported, collaborative, and valued.
More than 2,500 teams worldwide already use this framework to strengthen culture.
Start for free Get a demoWorks for remote, hybrid, and in-office teams
Whether your team works across time zones or in the same office, recognition works best when it's:
- Easy to give
- Visible to others
- Inclusive of everyone
HeyTaco helps distributed teams create shared moments of appreciation without meetings or formal processes.
Measuring recognition without complexity
You don't need surveys to see recognition working.
With HeyTaco, teams can:
- See recognition activity over time
- Identify who is being recognized and why
- Spot unsung contributors
- Understand how values show up in daily work
Trusted by thousands of teams worldwide
Teams across industries use HeyTaco to build engagement that feels natural, human, and sustainable.
From fast growing startups to large organizations, the goal is the same: help people feel appreciated for the work they do every day.
Used by Leading Companies Worldwide
Build recognition that grows naturally
Recognition works best when it's simple, human, and shared.
Start with HeyTacoFrequently Asked Questions
What is employee recognition?
Employee recognition is the practice of acknowledging and appreciating employees for their contributions, effort, and impact at work.
Does employee recognition improve engagement or retention?
Yes, employee recognition improves engagement and retention by helping employees feel seen, valued, and connected to their work.
What makes employee recognition effective?
Effective recognition is timely, specific, and sincere. It focuses on everyday contributions and is visible to others.
How often should employees be recognized?
Recognition should happen regularly—weekly or even daily—rather than being saved for formal reviews.
Is peer-to-peer recognition better than manager-only recognition?
Peer recognition complements manager recognition by capturing everyday contributions leaders may not see.
Does employee recognition improve retention?
Yes. Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to stay engaged and committed to their teams.
What is the best way to recognize employees today?
The best way to recognize employees today is to make recognition frequent, visible, and peer-driven. Recognition works best when it happens in real time, in the tools teams already use, and as part of everyday work rather than formal programs or annual events.
Turn Recognition Into Daily Engagement
Bring more joy, connection, and appreciation to your team. See how a little gratitude can transform your culture in just 30 days.