This episode, we're talking with Becca Schweitzer, Client Strategist at O.C. Tanner, about the top three things you should keep in mind when planning for your next company-wide recognition event like Employee Appreciation Day.

Becca partners with our clients to plan successful, meaningful recognition events throughout the year. She also has on-the-ground experience working in HR for a healthcare organization as an employee engagement coordinator, planning (and cleaning up after) these important appreciation moments.

Stick around for the end of the episode where we talk about ideas you can implement at your own workplace.

Takeaways:

1. Start your planning with feedback and lessons learned from previous events. What went well? What was difficult for your HR team? What resonated with employees? This will help you craft your event plan: dates, times, communications, gifts, and experiences.
2. Involve leaders early in the planning process to deliver meaningful, inclusive recognition moments. Your leaders know your people best, and they will be key in delivering this recognition experience—especially for offline or remote teammates.
3. Maximize impact beyond the event. Use this time to showcase your recognition tools, teach your people when and how to use them, and encourage behaviors by rewarding employees who use recognition tools the most.

The Culture by Design podcast is created by O.C. Tanner, the global leader in software and services that improve workplace culture through meaningful employee recognition.

If you want your organization to become a place where people can’t wait to come to work in the morning, go to octanner.com.

This episode, we're talking with Christina Chau, Senior Content Manager at O.C. Tanner, about what employees really want from their workplaces in 2026.

We unpack Christina’s process for gathering industry research and insights to determine the top five workplace culture trends for the coming year, find out what surprised her, and answer some burning questions from HR leaders and practitioners like you.

Stick around for the end of the episode where we’ll talk about the ideas and actions you can take with you and implement at your own workplace.

A research analyst with nearly 20 years’ experience, Christina uncovers employee perspectives and writes about the trends, insights, and best practices that create workplace cultures where people thrive. She uses her background in conducting and publishing primary research to tap into what the data says and why it matters to modern leaders.

Takeaways:

1. Human connection is so important. There is great tech out there that can enrich both connection and appreciation at work, but don’t let it replace genuine, authentic, human moments. Use AI responsibly in your culture initiatives.
2. Employees are asking for a lot from their workplaces now. They want inspiration from their teams, leaders, and employers; they want time to connect and time to recognize each other. Make sure to prioritize and encourage these experiences in 2026.
3. Go read or watch Christina’s 5 Workplace Culture Trends for 2026 content for more insights and actionable takeaways to implement at your organization this year.

The Culture by Design podcast is created by O.C. Tanner, the global leader in software and services that improve workplace culture through meaningful employee recognition.

If you want your organization to become a place where people can’t wait to come to work in the morning, go to octanner.com.

This new podcast series from O.C. Tanner explores the research, practices, and strategies that help create thriving workplace cultures around the world.

If you're an HR leader, manager, or just passionate about building better workplaces, this is for you! Each month, you'll hear from our researchers, strategists, and global teams, and walk away with practical strategies to implement in your organization.

At O.C. Tanner, we know that a thriving workplace culture doesn't happen by accident—it’s by design. Join us as we uncover what makes workplaces truly great.

Follow along at octanner.com, or wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe so you never miss an episode