Recognition
It's easy and meaningful to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of employees for their work every day, as well as after the completion of projects both large and small.
Get Started with Recognition Toolkits
Get started with our Recognizing and Appreciating Employees: A Toolkit for People Leaders offers tips on how to build a culture of recognition and appreciation, communication guidance, and ready-made templates.
'Engagement & Retention Conversations Toolkit for People Leaders' provides tips to guide conversations, customizable script samples, conversation starters, notes template, and follow-up questions.
Appreciation Portal
The Appreciation Portal is an easy-to-use online program that allows for quick messages to staff across the university. The system empowers our people leaders to recognize an employee's success or milestone the moment it happens. Simply sign in and share your message privately with the individual.
- Appreciation & Recognition Portal: Supervisor Overview (pdf)
- Appreciation & Recognition Portal: Supervisor FAQ (pdf)
Informal Recognition
Taxable Income: Rewards such as cash, gift cards, debit cards or gift certificates are considered taxable income. Any decision to use these types of rewards should be discussed with your supervisor and/or your Financial Transaction Center or Business Service Center.
Bargaining Units: If your employee is represented by one of Cornell’s bargaining units, please consult with Workplace Policy and Labor Relations (lmj6; 607-255-6866) before you implement recognition ideas marked by an * as there may be restrictions on these types of rewards.
Other Recognition Opportunities
Events
Special events such as fall Employee Celebrations are a broad campus-wide informal show of appreciation for our hardworking employees.
Awards
The university stewards several award programs intended to formally honor our employees for outstanding performance. Some are campus-wide recognitions, while others are specific to colleges, departments and units. Recognize an exceptional employee, supervisor or fellow colleague by nominating them for a variety of campus awards.
Performance Based Pay
For staff employed in positions classified within bands A through I, pay advancement is achieved based on individual performance and pay improvement budgets. Staff who are consistently effective within their positions should be paid within the market range for the appropriate job family and pay band. Premium pay levels may be reached based on a combination of factors such as outstanding performance, long service, and market retention considerations.
Programs
Years of Service Recognition
This tradition of recognition is a grateful celebration of the staff milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service to the university.
To learn more about your local college or unit Service Award program contact your HR lead.
Employee Degree Completion Recognition
Each year, dozens of Cornell staff members graduate with degrees from Cornell and other colleges with the help of the Employee Degree Program and the Tuition Aid program offered by the University