Employee Appreciation Day: Nurturing Talent, Fostering Success

Employee appreciation is the cornerstone of a thriving and successful workplace. It encompasses two vital facets: recognition and appreciation, both of which play distinct roles in fostering a positive work environment. The key lies not only in acknowledging employees' accomplishments but also in recognising their inherent value as individuals.

Recognition is the formal or informal acknowledgment of positive outcomes and performance. This could take the form of awards, bonuses, promotions, raises, verbal expressions of gratitude, or even handwritten notes. Appreciation, on the other hand, transcends accomplishments and focuses on the individual's intrinsic worth as a colleague and a human being. It is about recognising the unique qualities that each employee brings to the workplace. The timing and authenticity of these gestures are crucial. Further, creating a workplace culture that values both recognition and appreciation is essential for employee morale.

It's important to emphasise that employee appreciation and recognition should not be relegated to a once-a-year event but rather viewed as a continuous, year-long commitment. By implementing a series of carefully curated activities, businesses can ensure that their employees' morale remains consistently high. This commitment demonstrates to employees that their contributions are valued, fostering a sense of belonging and connection within the organisation. Businesses that prioritise recognising achievements and appreciating individuals will reap the rewards of increased employee engagement, satisfaction and long-term loyalty. 

At InMobi group (including InMobi and Glance), our employees are at the centre of it all, and we go all out to show how valuable they are to us, not just as professionals but also individuals. We do this at two levels – individual (personal) and organisational (professional). 

On an individual level, our approach revolves around embracing each employee, recognising them for their authentic selves, and wholeheartedly accepting their unique journeys. One of our notable initiatives fostering this inclusive environment is Stories/Vox Pop – a secure space where individuals can openly share personal challenges they might not discuss otherwise. This platform has witnessed colleagues sharing profound stories, including overcoming multiple miscarriages, undergoing gender transformations, and transitioning from selling pens on the streets to becoming leaders within the company. These narratives serve as powerful learning experiences for the entire team, breaking down barriers and eliminating the need for individuals to maintain multiple facades. 

Our recognition extends beyond professional achievements, celebrating employees for outstanding personal accomplishments such as representing the state/national teams in sports and competitive events, deeply involved in societal issues, and bringing about a change, summiting peaks or completing gruelling physical activities such as ultra-marathons and triathlons, among others Further, addressing individual needs is a priority for us, and there's no one-size-fits-all template. We handle each case on an individual basis, acknowledging that employees may require sabbaticals to prioritise their mental health, attend to loved ones, or simply reconnect with themselves. The result is a workforce that returns feeling more fulfilled and energised.

Taking risks is another aspect of our approach. Believing in our people, we encourage them to explore, innovate, and contribute beyond their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Today, nearly 50 individuals in our organisation have successfully shifted gears, engaging in both intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial pursuits. We provide them with the necessary resources, including office space and manpower, while affirming that they are always welcome to reassess and rejoin us if things don't align with their preferences. Some of our most successful consumer businesses such as Roposo, emerged from this supportive and risk-taking culture.

At an organisational level, we have cultivated a culture of spontaneous appreciation through impromptu floor callouts and the Ring the Bell tradition. Colleagues and managers ring the bell to celebrate both small and significant achievements on the floor, fostering an informal and warm atmosphere that leaves employees feeling genuinely valued.

Adding to this, our Milestone Wall is a special feature stemming from a sincere appreciation for individuals reaching significant milestones. When someone crosses certain milestones, we inscribe their names on the walls, gift employees a holiday to a place of their choice and go the extra mile by reaching out to their families and loved ones to be a part of their special day. This not only ensures a visible impact but also creates an emotional connection that resonates deeply.

Quarterly victories are celebrated through peer-to-peer recognitions and Emmy's, promoting a culture of mutual appreciation. However, for the most significant achievements, we reserve the prestigious Oscars – the highest in the stature of awards given in the company. Redcarpet rewards points that can be redeemed across multiple ecommerce platforms, and RSUs, making it a truly prestigious and rewarding acknowledgment.

In essence, employee appreciation is not just an occasional gesture; it’s part of our DNA and represents a continuous commitment. This commitment results in a motivated, engaged, and loyal workforce, propelling both individuals, and businesses to greater heights.