Remembering to take the time to celebrate can be challenging, especially in a way that creates...
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The person who collects the most points wins. This is a “rule,” an outcome we learn in early childhood.
HeyTaco’s leaderboards serve a different purpose. The traditional purpose, gamification and fun, remains. However, with us, the person who gives the most is the biggest winner of them all.
Recognition is a practice that thrives on gratitude and appreciation. The key to reinforcing a healthy culture of gratitude is to recognize the people who actively give recognition. Never just those who receive it.
The problem with focusing on receivers
Traditional recognition programs often highlight the top receivers. These are the people who are most frequently recognized for their achievements.
The recognition they’ve gotten is deserved and still matters. What could be de-centered is how that is celebrated. A “top receiver wins” approach can inadvertently create a competitive environment.
It also feels more extrinsic and transactional. HeyTaco leaderboard research shows that when companies focus on receivers, employees feel less collaborative. This atmosphere can undermine the spirit of recognition. Who wants to feel like they have to compete for positive attention?
Moreover, employees may feel frustrated by factors outside their control. Even with the benefits of peer recognition, they can’t make someone appreciate them. They don’t decide when someone gives them a taco. For the underrecognized, this lack of control can lead to feelings of resentment. That comes with disengagement, ultimately harming team morale.
Why does recognizing givers matter more?
If givers get the biggest spotlight, wouldn’t giving start becoming transactional, too? Wouldn’t people just start tossing tacos everywhere to win the generosity contest?
No. The first reason is the daily taco limit. The second is that giving shares good feelings instead of hoarding them.
When companies emphasize giver leaderboards, the culture becomes more inclusive. Team members now perceive recognition as an action within their control. It’s something they can actively create and share, even when there are no more tacos left for the day.
Studies have recorded the positive impact of adopting a giver mindset in peer recognition. Helping behavior increases. Team members become more willing to notice and acknowledge the great contributions of their colleagues.
The bottom line? Recognition is an abundant, shared resource that benefits everyone. Not a contest with a winner.
How HeyTaco champions givers
HeyTaco has embraced this approach by maintaining both given and received leaderboards. We always actively encourage and celebrate those who give recognition. Through gamification mechanisms like level unlocking, we create a fun and engaging way for employees to be acknowledged for their generosity in giving thanks.
After all, they’re the foundation of a culture of gratitude.
Recognizing givers also encourages more of the desired behavior. When employees see that giving recognition is celebrated, they’re more likely to continue doing so. Over time, this builds a positive feedback loop where gratitude becomes embedded in the company culture.
The power of a simple thank you
Giving recognition is an action that everyone can take, regardless of their role or position in the company. It’s also easy, integrated into workflows, and lighthearted. Lowering the barriers to recognition encourages a culture where appreciation flows freely and often.
This small but meaningful action can have a significant impact on workplace culture. When employees feel appreciated for both their contributions and their efforts to recognize others, it creates a sense of belonging and community. This fosters an environment where people are motivated to do their best work and support their colleagues.
Celebrate your culture of giving
Celebrating your top givers reinforces the values that your organization holds dear. Everyone co-creates a more collaborative, supportive, and positive workplace. This is the authentic way toward higher engagement, stronger team cohesion, and a more vibrant organizational culture.
So, the next time you think about your recognition program, consider shifting the focus from just the top receivers to the top givers. Celebrate those who spread positivity and appreciation, and watch how your culture flourishes.
Or, make giving the entire purpose of gamified recognition by going full Giver Mode.
