Doncaster & Bassetlaw: Strengthening Recognition at Scale

The challenge

Doncaster and Bassetlaw were keen to introduce a cost-effective employee recognition solution that enabled staff to show appreciation for their colleague’s hard work and achievements. 

However, with varying degrees of computer literacy and a huge influx of more than 30,000 emergency patients compared with the previous year due to COVID-19, finding an accessible way to boost morale in spite of communication barriers was key. 

In-person acknowledgements were not always possible, and maintaining engagement during a period of intense pressure was a priority. 

The solution

The recognition platform provided a quick and easy way for staff to recognise contributions at a time when in-person acknowledgements were not always possible. 

The app-based solution enabled the Trust to embed their core We Care values, send peer-to-peer acknowledgements, recognise employee milestones and boost engagement and morale from one centrally managed solution. 

The recognition platform was effectively communicated to staff via personalised content and collateral tailored to reflect the organisation’s tone and ethos. It represented an easy-to-use solution that proved accessible for a wide variety of staff to pick up and start using even with the complexities, risks and pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By linking recognition directly to organisational values, the Trust made their implicit values explicit and brought them to life in everyday interactions. 

The result

Doncaster and Bassetlaw saw an incredible rise in employee usage from the point of implementation. 

Between May and September during the Emergency Department trial, 892 recognitions were sent. Following the wider organisation launch between October and December, 8613 recognitions were sent. 

This uplift helped to generate an 80% boost in registrations on their benefits platform and encouraged more employees to engage with other benefits available to support their mental, physical and financial wellbeing. 

£10,800 was allocated to over 200+ winners, and £8,450 has been cashed out to date in £50 eGift card prize draw rewards used to drive engagement. 

What’s next

By embedding recognition into daily working life and linking it to core values, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have strengthened morale and engagement during a period of exceptional pressure. 

Through accessible, centrally managed recognition, the Trust continues to support colleagues across a large and diverse workforce while reinforcing leadership behaviours and organisational values.