Michelle M Smith, OC Tanner

1. Essential Global Recognition
& Engagement Insights
Michelle M. Smith, CPIM, CRP
@michelleMsmith9

2. Towers Watson
14 countries
(Major economies, emerging markets,
important economic/sociopolitical)
10,333 employees
All industries
3 Years of Formal Research =
Global Best Practices

3. 11 countries; 15 cities
56 groups – 180,000+ leaders,
managers & employees
Wide variety of industries
8 essential recognition elements
Focus Groups Provided
Local Cultural Insights
And free tools for you!

4. MEXICO
BRAZIL
UK
FRANCE
GERMANY JAPAN
CHINA
INDIA
AUSTRALIA
RUSSIA
SINGAPORE
UAE
TURKEY
UNITED
STATES
Many similarities – Significant differences
Recognition Important Everywhere
PHILIPPINES
INDONESIA

5. www.hrfloridaconference.org

6. Most recognition performance-based, not long service
(retention) or extra effort – change that; offer off-line too
Meaningful recognition includes public recognition with
leadership to demonstrate care & interest in employees
Recognition helps with career advancement & living
standards; English or MBA classes & job training as awards
Performance
Based
Aligned Inclusive Meaningful Senior Mgmt
Involvement
Structure Public
Presentation
Symbolism
Brazil

7. www.hrfloridaconference.org

8. • 2025: World’s most populist country
–Population: 50% < 25; 65% <35 years old
–Millennials = 70% of workforce
–In 2020 average age = 29 years
• 28 states – distinct cultures/customs
–Need reliable supplier for awards
–Need deep understanding of cultures
–Skilled workers change jobs frequently

9. Performance
Based
Aligned Inclusive Meaningful Senior Mgmt
Involvement
Structure Public
Presentation
Symbolism
Work is very performance driven; hitting targets
Recognition helps employees with career development,
management visibility & resume; onboarding & retention essential
Critical to have leaders involved in giving & celebrating
recognition so employees feel known; good work acknowledged
Want symbolism, branding, personalisation on awards – trophies,
certificates that can be shown to family & future employers
India

10. www.hrfloridaconference.org

11. Performance
Based
Aligned Inclusive Meaningful Senior Mgmt
Involvement
Structure Public
Presentation
Symbolism
Communication & recognition isn’t happening often – good work
results in silence; problems are pointed out; retention
Individual recognition important – want managers to know them
Managers need meaningful ways to connect with employees
Want fair recognition; no cash (taxed 30%)
Work Councils should be involved early
Germany

12. www.hrfloridaconference.org

13. • 2020 = 800 cities with income > Shanghai
• Lowest engagement/highest disengagement
• Younger generation from one child law
• T&D wanted > anywhere else in world
• Service anniversaries taken seriously
• Caution: colors, numbers, materials
• Relationship with boss is crucial
• “Big Face” to have brand names

14. Performance
Based
Aligned Inclusive Meaningful Senior Mgmt
Involvement
Structure Public
Presentation
Symbolism
Work is very performance driven; hitting targets; need recognition for
effort & to show company appreciation (with logo)
Recognition given for “best” & tied to opportunity for career growth;
need more frequency & share with family
Traditions – wage inflation – turnover – relationships – work/life
High quality brand awards; training & development opportunities
Program tools & materials must be in Chinese
China

15. www.hrfloridaconference.org

16. Performance
Based
Aligned Inclusive Meaningful Senior Mgmt
Involvement
Structure Public
Presentation
Symbolism
Sense of team is strong; celebrate teams & individuals –
use recognition to connect different locations
Shared team awards appreciated; peer-to-peer awards
Morning teas popular for both recognition & socialising
Avoid too much “rah-rah;” post recognition visually instead
of through big presentations
Australia

17. Drivers of Engagement
Engagement
Opportunity
& Well-Being
Trust
Pride in
Organisation

18. Consistent Impact Globally

19. Engagement
Opportunity
& Well-Being
Trust
Pride in
Organisation
Appreciation
Alignment
Communication
More Engagement Drivers
Appreciation impacts everything!

20. Making It Happen
• Implement global
& local best practices
• Add appreciation to
maximise outcomes
• Recommend assistance for
cultural nuances, taxes,
Customs & fulfillment

21. Please leave your
business card for
the research white
paper, the white
papers on
recognition in
China & India,
and the Global
Recognition
Partner Checklist

22. Learn More….
Today at 14:30
Seminar Room 1
Tomorrow at 11:30
Seminar Room 2

23. Further questions can be addressed to:
Michelle.Smith@OCTanner.com
Thank You!
@michelleMsmith9Stand # 506

24. Michelle M. Smith, CPIM,CRP
A world-renowned international speaker, author, and consultant, Michelle
is a trusted advisor to many of the world’s most successful companies and
government organisations. A highly accomplished industry leader, she is a
respected authority on leadership and employee engagement, and has
published and presented more than 800 articles and lectures.
A passionate thought leader, Michelle was named one of the “Ten Best and
Brightest Women in the Incentive Industry.” She is President Emeritus of the
Incentive Marketing Association, Past President of the FORUM for People
Performance at Northwestern University, Vice President of Research for the
Business Marketing Association, among many other prestigious board
positions past and present.
“Michelle intuitively understands the importance of
unlocking an employee’s hidden potential, and how to
leverage performance development initiatives for
maximum return on investment.”