Apr 11, 2025 10:33:04 AM | Rethinking Internal Recognition Programs in Healthcare

In healthcare, HR professionals are the quiet engines behind some of the most emotionally demanding workforces in the world. You’re recruiting in competitive markets, onboarding at a rapid pace, and working hard to retain top talent, all while supporting the wellbeing of your teams.It’s no surprise that many HR departments choose to manage recognition programs internally. You want to protect your culture, work within tight budgets, and keep things simple. And you’ve made it work.

But what if there’s a way to keep everything you love about your current program while making it even more impactful and less time-consuming?

Why Internal Recognition Is So Common in Healthcare

Many healthcare organizations keep recognition in-house for good reason:

• Tradition matters. Programs like DAISY Awards and monthly staff spotlights have deep roots in your culture.

• Budgets are limited. Building recognition programs internally often feels like the most practical solution.

• Vendor approval is difficult. Procurement and IT reviews can slow things down.

• Recognition feels personal. You know your people best and want appreciation to reflect that.

These programs are often built with heart and driven by passion. But as organizations grow and demands on HR increase, what used to work can start to feel like a burden.

The Hidden Burden of Going It Alone

Even the best internal programs come with challenges. You may be experiencing:

• Not enough time. Managing nominations, communications, and redemptions takes more time than expected.

• Manual processes. Spreadsheets and email threads can create confusion or delay.

• Inconsistent execution. Without tools or automation, recognition may vary by department or shift.

• Lack of visibility. Without data, it’s hard to measure engagement or show results to leadership.

Recognition should be a source of connection and pride, not stress and extra work.

You Don’t Have to Do It All

You don’t need to rebuild your program. You don’t need to give up control. And you don’t have to do it alone.

With the right support, you can:

• Keep your current recognition structure and make it easier to manage

• Provide a seamless way for managers, peers, patients, and families to show appreciation

• Add points-based rewards or service milestones without adding to your workload

• Access dashboards that show engagement and impact in real time

• Remove the burden of managing catalogs and shipping gifts

Real Results from a Healthcare Partner

One healthcare client, Virtua Health, initially managed recognition at the local level, relying on manager discretion and an annual event to celebrate high performance. After merging with Lourdes Health System in 2019, they launched the "Culture of WE," emphasizing daily appreciation and recognition as the backbone of their engagement strategy.

By partnering with C.A. Short Company and implementing the People Are Everything platform, Virtua Health introduced several key components:

• Daily Appreciation and Recognition: All colleagues can send and receive eCards, fostering a culture of continuous recognition.

• WE Awards: A peer-nominated program recognizing exceptional contributions aligned with specific criteria.

• Service Anniversary Program: Acknowledging colleagues' service milestones.

• Applaud Points: Enabling leaders to provide tangible recognition to their team members.

• Customized eCards: Designed to reinforce Virtua strategies in well-being, safety, learning, and leadership.

This comprehensive approach transformed their recognition program, enhancing employee engagement and appreciation across the organization.

Support from Platforms Built for You

At C.A. Short Company, we understand that healthcare is personal, and so is recognition. Whether you’re looking to improve internal efforts or expand them beyond your walls, we offer two solutions that work together or stand on their own.

People Are Everything

Our internal recognition platform helps you manage service awards, peer recognition, and manager-led appreciation. You can automate key moments, track engagement, and make sure every employee feels seen and valued.

Short Shoutouts

Our external recognition platform gives a voice to patients, families, and visitors. With just four taps, anyone can send a real-time thank you to frontline staff. It’s a powerful way to boost morale, elevate care moments, and increase patient experience scores.

Let’s Make Recognition Easier

You’ve already built something meaningful. Let’s take it further without adding more to your plate.