SCOA’s Chief People Officer Teresa A. Oakley answers our questions about how human resources is enhancing a culture of recognition by embracing its new SPOTLIGHT program.

How does recognition impact employees’ mental health and well-being?

Recognition plays a crucial role in enhancing mental health by reducing stress and preventing burnout. When employees feel appreciated, they experience a stronger sense of belonging and purpose, which contributes to a supportive work environment and higher job satisfaction. Regular recognition also promotes a positive workplace culture, encouraging collaboration and mutual respect among colleagues, which is essential for mental well-being.

What inspired the launch of the new Spotlight Program at SC Americas?

The Spotlight Program was introduced to build that culture of recognition at SC Americas. By recognizing and rewarding employees, we aim to boost engagement, align with our core values, and retain top talent, creating an environment where employees feel valued and motivated. This initiative helps us reinforce positive behaviors and foster a supportive and appreciative work culture, ultimately driving company success.

Can you elaborate on the criteria and methods of recognition within the Spotlight Program?

Recognition in the Spotlight Program is based on SC Americas’ core values and critical inclusive behaviors. Employees can use the platform to recognize peers through social recognition, star points, and custom celebration cards, ensuring that recognition is meaningful and reinforces the behaviors and values that are important to our company, thus fostering that culture of appreciation. Effective recognition should be regular, immediate, specific, and encouraging, summarized by the acronym RISE—these principles make recognition impactful and drive engagement and success.

How does the Spotlight Program facilitate continuous recognition and its importance for company culture?

We wanted a way to make recognition a regular part of our workplace culture. Features like the platform’s Community Feed allow for real-time acknowledgments and accessibility ensures that recognition can happen anytime, anywhere, embedding appreciation in daily interactions and strengthening our overall culture. Continuous recognition helps build a sense of community and shared purpose, which is essential for a thriving and engaged workforce. Following the RISE principles I explained before ensures that appreciation is effective, quantifiable and positively impactful when it comes to our company culture.