Retention Through Inclusion & Recognizing Diverse Contributions

Explore how inclusive recognition of diverse contributions can improve employee retention, satisfaction, & an engaged workforce.

July 19, 2024
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How would you describe your job to a five year old?
What season would you be?
What is a weird food you have tried? Would you eat it again?
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Would you go in the mother-ship with aliens if they landed on Earth tomorrow?
What is your favorite season?
Do prefer working from home or the office?
What is your earliest memory of this job?
What is the best thing you have bought so far this year?
What is the earliest book you remember?
If you had to move to another country, which one would you choose?
You are the best criminal mastermind in the world. What crime would you commit if you knew you would get away with it?
What is your favorite movie genre to watch?
What was the last thing you ate?
What person from history would you add to Mount Rushmore?
What is a weird fact you know?
What is your favorite part of working from home?
Were the Spice Girls a good team?
Imagine you can instantly learn any language. Which would you choose?
If you could live in any state, which state would you pick?
Which fictional team is the best team of all time?
What did you want to be when you grew up?
What do you usually eat for a quick lunch?
What simple food will you never eat?
Show us the weirdest thing you have in the room with you right now.
Would you rather stay at a hotel or an AirBNB?
What is your favorite movie genre to watch?
Are you more productive in the morning or at night?
Who is someone in your community that makes a difference?
Who was your most unique pet?
Choose one famous person from history you want on your team during a zombie apocalypse.
What is a good way to give back to the community?
Which song could you listen to over and over again?
Is Hugh Grant funny?
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
Would you want to have an imaginary friend today? Did you have one as a child?
What actor or actress would you want to play you in the movie about your life?
What is the best super power?
What is your New Years resolution?
You can only eat one food again for the rest of your life. What is it?
What is the best work holiday?
What is the first gift you remember receiving?
Would you rather join Metallica or Backstreet Boys?
What is the best example of a community you have seen?
What is an easy way to do something nice for someone?
Show us your phone background and tell the story behind why you picked this image.
What was your first job?
Pick any band to play at your funeral.
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life, what would you pick?
Which superpower would you give to your arch enemy?
What is the most obscure superpower you would want?
What emoji best describes how you are feeling right now?
If you could live in any country, which country would you pick?
Would you rather live in a city or a town?
What is your favorite holiday?
What is something you accomplished as part of a team?
What is your standard office lunch?
What is your most used phone app?
What is your favorite season?
Have you ever won something as a team?
Imagine you are a professional baseball player. What is your introduction song?
Beach holiday or ski trip?
Have you ever been to a funny comedy show?
Would you rather live at the North Pole or the South Pole?
What is your favorite song to sing?
If you could live in any state, which state would you pick?
Imagine you could teleport anywhere. Where would you go right now?
What is the most unusual job you have heard of?
What was the last thing you ate?
You can visit any fictional time or place. Which would you pick?
What do your family and friends think you do all day?
What movie do you wish you could watch again for the first time?
Show us your most-used emoji.
What was the most unique style or fashion trend you ever embraced?
What movie defined your generation?
You are stranded on a remote desert island. Are you alone or with your worst enemy?
What is your favorite knock-knock joke?
Have you ever told someone Santa is not real?
Do you know how to speak more than one language?
On a scale of 1 – 10, how much of a team player are you?
What is your #1 recommendation in this city?
What is your favorite holiday?
What bucket list item do you most want to check off in the next six months?
What is your favorite mythical creature?
What was the first way you made money?
If you could be great at any Olympic sport, which would it be?
Which song could you listen to over and over again?
When did you start liking/hating mushrooms?
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Do you take your PTO all at one time, or another way?
Which show do you remember most from your childhood?
Which beverage goes best with pizza?
Would you want to have a personal assistant follow you around everywhere and do what you asked of them?
Have you ever met your idol?
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Would you rather live 100 years in the past or 100 years in the future?
What is your hobby?
When you are alone in the car, what volume is the music at?
Imagine you no longer have to work. How would you spend a Tuesday?
What is your favorite type of sandwich?

The world of business is always responding to societal changes and technological advancements, and as it acquires an even more global perspective, diversity and inclusion have become focal points for corporate success. They infuse the business arena with richness and breadth of perspectives and profoundly influence the company's retention rates. Realizing and recognizing diverse contributions can provide a pathway to superior retention metrics.

Many people believe that retaining employees is primarily about offering attractive salaries and perks. While compensation is important, it's not the only factor that determines how long employees stay with a company. Acknowledging and respecting different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives can greatly improve employee satisfaction and, in turn, lead to higher retention rates.

According to a study done by Forbes, employees who feel that their opinions are valued are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to do their best work. Retention through inclusion is not just about surface-level diversity or ticking the right boxes. It goes far beyond to promote a deep-seated respect for various cultures, experiences, and perspectives. Let’s keep reading to gain a better understanding of inclusive recognition, its impact, and how to implement an inclusive recognition program in the workplace. 

Understanding Inclusive Recognition

Inclusive recognition involves acknowledging and celebrating the diverse contributions of all employees, regardless of their backgrounds, identities, or roles within the organization. This approach moves beyond generic praise and focuses on specific achievements and unique perspectives that each individual brings to the table.

Understanding diversity and inclusion is the first step towards putting these concepts into action. Diversity is about representation—it's about ensuring different identities, ranging from race and ethnicity to gender, age, and sexual orientation, are present at all levels within an organization. Inclusion, on the other hand, signifies that these diverse identities are valued and heard, and their contributions are recognized. Together, these two lenses can create a corporate environment conducive to retaining and getting the best out of employees.

The Impact of Diverse Contributions

When valuing the unique strengths and perspectives each employee brings, organizations can cultivate a sense of belonging and motivation among their workforce. This inclusive approach enhances team dynamics and drives innovation and productivity. As a result, employees feel more engaged and committed to their roles. Here are ways inclusive recognition can enhance retention and overall job satisfaction:

Increased Employee Engagement

When employees feel seen and appreciated for their unique contributions, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their roles. Engagement is directly linked to retention, as engaged employees are less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Enhanced Sense of Belonging

Inclusive recognition helps build a culture where all employees feel they belong. This sense of belonging can reduce feelings of isolation and increase loyalty to the organization.

Improved Job Satisfaction

Acknowledging the diverse efforts of employees can lead to higher job satisfaction. When employees see that their unique skills and perspectives are valued, they are more likely to feel content and fulfilled in their work.

Strengthened Team Cohesion

Celebrating diverse contributions creates a collaborative and cohesive team environment. It encourages mutual respect and understanding among team members.

Implementing Inclusive Recognition Programs

Implementing inclusive recognition programs is a vital strategy for a positive and diverse workplace environment. These programs acknowledge the contributions of all employees and ensure that recognition is equitable and meaningful across the organization. To effectively implement inclusive recognition programs, organizations should consider the following strategies:

Tailored Recognition Practices 

Customize recognition practices to reflect the diverse backgrounds and preferences of employees. This can include public acknowledgments, private thank-you notes, or personalized rewards that resonate with individual preferences.

Diverse Award Categories

Establish award categories that celebrate different aspects of diversity, such as innovation, leadership, teamwork, and community involvement. This ensures that a wide range of contributions are acknowledged.

Peer Recognition Platforms

Implement platforms where employees can recognize each other's contributions. Peer recognition can be powerful in highlighting diverse efforts and building a supportive community.

Training and Awareness

Provide training for managers and leaders on the importance of inclusive recognition and how to effectively implement it. This ensures that recognition practices are fair, unbiased, and inclusive.

Regular Feedback and Improvement

Continuously gather feedback from employees on the recognition programs and make necessary improvements. This demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and responsiveness to employee needs.

Cultivating a Culture of Belonging for Enhanced Retention

Retention through inclusion is essential for creating an environment where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to contribute their best. The interconnected relationship between diversity, inclusion, and retention is crucial for long-term corporate success. By acknowledging the unique skills, perspectives, and efforts of all employees, organizations can foster a culture of belonging, enhance engagement, and ultimately improve retention. Therefore, it is imperative for organizations to have diversity and inclusion strategies in place and ensure they are practiced every day through the recognition of diverse contributions.

Boost retention through inclusion and celebrate diverse contributions with Assembly! Implement a recognition program that honors your core values and uplifts team morale. Schedule a demo now to create a positive and inclusive work environment for everyone.

FAQ’s

What is inclusive recognition in the workplace?

Inclusive recognition in the workplace involves acknowledging and celebrating the diverse contributions of all employees, regardless of their backgrounds, identities, or roles. It focuses on specific achievements and the unique perspectives each individual brings, fostering a deep respect for various cultures, experiences, and viewpoints.

How does recognizing diverse contributions improve employee retention?

Recognizing diverse contributions improves employee retention by enhancing engagement, job satisfaction, and a sense of belonging. When employees feel valued for their unique skills and perspectives, they are more likely to be motivated, committed, and loyal to the organization, reducing turnover rates.

What are some strategies for implementing inclusive recognition programs?

Effective strategies for implementing inclusive recognition programs include tailoring recognition practices to reflect diverse backgrounds, establishing award categories that celebrate different aspects of diversity, using peer recognition platforms, providing training and awareness for leaders, and regularly gathering feedback to improve the programs.

Why is a culture of belonging important for employee retention?

A culture of belonging is important for employee retention because it makes employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to contribute their best work. When employees experience a sense of belonging, they are more likely to be engaged, satisfied with their jobs, and committed to the organization, leading to lower turnover rates.

Browse our Free Employee Recognition Guide

Get the foundational knowledge on creating an employee recognition program that boosts employee engagement and helps them feel valued.

Explore Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Assembly SOC 2 compliant?

Yes, at Assembly, security is a top priority. Each quarter, we have ongoing security work that is everyone’s responsibility. While we maintain a strong security posture, it was important for us to prove to our customers that we do everything we claim to do. This led us to pursue a SOC 2 Type II report that would provide evidence of our compliance with industry gold-standard security practice.

What's the ROI for employee recognition?

There is study after study showing that employee recognition leads to increased engagement. This in return creates an environment where employees are happier and more motivated which increase productivity and reduces voluntary turnover significantly. In order to filled critical roles, companies tend to spend nearly twice the value of an annual salary. Assembly is an investment in your employees that supports your bottom line.

Does Assembly offer longer-term contracts?

Yes, we will offer contracts for companies with longer-term agreements to help larger customers have more certainty around future costs.

The minimum agreement term is a 12-month subscription.

Does Assembly offer onboarding support?

We do and for FREE! Any new customer needing further support to get started with Assembly to ensure you're set up for success can request custom onboarding support. Improving your employee experience is about much more than just using our amazing software; it’s about transforming your business to create a workplace that people love. That’s much easier to do with the personal support and advice from our passionate people experts.

How much do rewards cost?

At the time of redemption (when your employees exchange their points for a paid reward) you'll pay face value. If a reward is a $10 Amazon gift card, your cost will be $10. All paid rewards are billed for on a monthly basis.

The good news is that you don't have to pay for rewards upfront because we only charge you when points are redeemed, not when they're earned.

Does Assembly offer discounts?

We offer discounts or educational or charitable organizations. In order to secure a discount, you'll first need to book a demo with a customer support specialist.

For all other organizations, we are willing to consider longer-term agreements in exchange for discounts. To set up annual plans or longer, you will need to book a demo with a customer support specialist.

How do I cancel my plan if needed?

If you're on a month to month plan, you can go here and cancel anytime. If you're having concerns or need help setting up your account for success, you can always book a demo with a customer support specialist.

If you're on a longer-term custom plan, you'll need to reach out to your customer support specialist to cancel your account or email us at support@joinassembly.com.

What customizations are available?

Great question! You can customize your core values to match your organization's to boost and track alignment. You can change your currency from the 🏆 emoji (our default) to any emoji of your choice. You can swap our logo for your own. You can also set up company culture rewards such as, "Lunch with the CEO," "Buy a book on us," and so much more!

Who can give or receive recognition?

While we recommend a peer to peer set up where anyone in your organization can give or receive recognition, you can set up Assembly however you want. If you need to limit the people who can give or receive recognition, that's perfectly fine and can be done from your Admin, here.

What integrations are available?

Assembly connects to the tools your employees use every day to offer an easy, seamless experience with minimal change management.  

Assembly has integrations with HCM/HRIS systems like ADP, Google, Office 365, and Slack. We also integrate with communication tools like Slack and Teams so you and your employees can access Assembly wherever they work now.

What's your average adoption rate?

That depends on the company's permissions set up. That said, over 90% of the employees on Assembly's platform are recognized on a monthly basis. That means nearly every employee across all of our customers are receiving regular recognition from their peers, managers, or leadership. We're extremely proud of this.

Must rewards be set up to use Assembly?

They are not required. You can use Assembly without having rewards set up. However, we don't recommend it if you intend to have a high adoption and usage rate. You can always keep the costs down by offering internal culture rewards that are fulfilled by you internally.

Are points required to use Assembly?

No, you can remove allowances from anyone or everyone. It's up to you but we do recommend using points whether they're worth a real dollar value or not. Companies that use points have a much higher engagement rate even if those points don't exchange for real dollars.

Could find the answer you are looking for?

Please schedule time with an expert and we will help you to get all your questions answered