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Picture a forward-thinking, brand-conscious company that holds its award events in crowded conference halls, where, not long after the event starts, long velvet curtains part, and the CEO steps out to celebrate a top performer.
A few speeches and screen taps later, the show begins. Then, as the company hands each achievement award, a flurry of digital confetti and a customized NFT award splashes the employee's name in neon across the screen.
As futuristic as that sounds, it's already happening, and if your company isn't using technology to recognize employee achievements, you may be losing out to the competition, and here is why.
The Importance of Awards And Where the Old And The New Intersect
Our evolving corporate environment has revolutionized recognition. That's why today's businesses are going out of their way to mix and match the old with the new by combining custom glass awards steeped in tradition with agile digital recognition plaques that feel as agile as their teams.
But why do businesses need to blend old ways of achievement recognition with newer, tech-driven ones?
Why Modern Awards Should Be a Mix of The Old and The New
Elegant, laser-engraved glass physical trophies and plaques have signaled prestige for decades. They're physical, lasting, and emotionally significant. Yet, in a world of remote work, virtual meetings, and digital teamwork, recognition must go beyond the four walls of a workplace.
That's why modern awards should be a mix of old and new recognition awards like digital awards like virtual badges, certificates secured by blockchain, or even augmented reality trophies for employees to place in digital workspaces. The goal is not to replace tradition but to improve upon it.
Picture a sales team getting stylish custom glass awards at an end-of-year gala while their digital selves, 3D-rendered avatars, appear in the company's metaverse headquarters. Thanks to modern tools, the results are a digital-powered achievement award that's tactile, shareable, classic, and cutting-edge.
Since you're probably wondering about it, let's discuss the tools empowering this intersection:
How To Use Modern Tools To Recognize Awards Digitally
Here are some of the tools powering the future of recognition:
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Digital award platforms: Apps such as Bonusly or Kudos allow managers to send immediate digital praises linked to company values. Employees can display these on LinkedIn profiles or within internal dashboards.
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Blockchain certificates: Use blockchain tools to secure awards for high-stakes achievements and make them tamper-proof and immutable.
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AR trophies: Apps like Snapchat let businesses create AR trophies for employees to "unbox" on their phones and capture the excitement of their awards.
However, don't overlook the staying power of physical recognition reminders. A Gallup study shows that such reminders make employees 56% more likely to feel appreciated in the long run. That's why innovative companies have wholly embraced hybrid strategies, such as "digital badges" alongside handcrafted glass plaques.
But how can you blend both worlds?
How to Blend Both Worlds Successfully
- Layer the experiences: Host live or virtual awards ceremony, where winners get a physical trophy and a digital replica of the same.
- Make it personal: Personalization is the secret. For instance, embed a video message from the CEO as a part of a digital award.
- Use social sharing: Encourage employees to announce digital awards on professional sites.
Teams unwilling to let go of tradition should start gradually by replacing diluted certificates with custom glass awards and trophies featuring QR codes that point to digital awards.
The Bottom Line
The future of awards isn't about picking physical or digital; it's about building a recognition ecosystem that suits the needs of all generations and work-styles.
Whether it's a holographic trophy projected into a Zoom call or a crystal-clear glass plaque perched on a desk, the stated purpose is still the same: honoring success in memorable, personalized ways.