How the O.C. Tanner Partnership Model Transforms Workplace Culture

Organizations want ways to elevate employee engagement, strengthen company culture, and drive lasting performance. At the heart of these goals is a simple truth: People need to feel valued.

O.C. Tanner understands this deeply—and that’s why our partnership practice is always more than just a vendor-client relationship. With nearly 100 years of experience, O.C. Tanner stands apart as a trusted partner in helping the world’s leading organizations design, deliver, scale, and sustain work cultures where people thrive.

Let’s take a look at how we partner and collaborate with top companies to create the best workplaces in the world.

One platform. Endless possibilities.

With the power of Culture Cloud®, our dynamic recognition platform, we go beyond the basics to help you build an integrated recognition experience that’s deeply felt by every employee, every day. We deliver the industry’s most complete suite of enterprise software, recognition solutions, and strategic services—all designed to elevate every aspect of your employee experience.

And then we stick by your side. For us, partnership means more than just getting your program off the ground—it means helping you to ensure it thrives. While others may offer surface-level support or stop at implementation, we’re with you for the long haul.

At O.C. Tanner, you get the world’s best recognition platform—and a partner who’s genuinely invested in your success.

Design Center

Collaborative customization

Our Design Center offers clients a hands-on, collaborative environment to create meaningful and personalized recognition experiences. Clients work directly with designers, strategists, and consultants to tailor recognition programs that reflect their brand, values, and culture.

“Their designers might be some of the most talented people I've ever worked with. The things that they created were just so spot on and vibrant and joyful and all the things that we wanted.”
‍—Starbucks

Brand integration

Design experts ensure that all recognition materials align with the client’s visual identity and organizational story. From messaging and packaging to digital elements, the Design Center helps build a cohesive recognition experience that feels authentic and on-brand.

Prototyping and visualization

Clients can explore physical prototypes and digital previews to see exactly how their recognition programs will look and feel. This interactive process allows for real-time feedback and refinements, ensuring final designs meet both strategic and aesthetic goals.

Inspiration and innovation

The Design Center serves as a hub of creativity and innovation, showcasing trends, best practices, and global recognition ideas. Clients leave with a tailored program and a clear vision for how recognition can elevate their culture and business outcomes.

Culture Consulting

Our clients always collaborate directly with real people—experienced culture consultants, strategists, and support teams—who listen, understand, and guide them every step of the way.

Unlike the one-size-fits-all models of other recognition providers, we nurture genuine, long-term partnerships rooted in vision and customized programs.

We call our approach Culture by Design. This personal touch ensures that every recognition program is thoughtfully designed to drive lasting cultural impact.

Discovery and cultural assessment

Our consultants start by understanding each client’s unique culture, business goals, and employee experience challenges. We use surveys, data analysis, and cultural assessments to identify gaps in recognition, engagement, and leadership effectiveness.

Strategy development

Based on these insights, consultants develop customized strategies that align recognition programs with broader organizational objectives. This includes designing initiatives that support culture, engagement, inclusion, and overall business performance.

“The O.C. Tanner team is part of our own work team. They understand our culture and our needs and are always available to brainstorm ideas and help with our overall recognition strategy.”
‍—Norton Healthcare

Program implementation and optimization

Consultants guide clients through the implementation of recognition programs, ensuring seamless system integration, effective communication, and training for managers. The focus is on launching programs that are easy to use and drive meaningful participation.

Ongoing measurement and improvement

We emphasize continuous improvement by regularly evaluating program performance and impact. Consultants track key metrics, measure ROI, and provide actionable insights to refine and enhance recognition strategies over time.

Thought leadership and best practices

Clients benefit from our unparalleled research and global expertise. Consultants share insights from industry trends, benchmark data, the O.C. Tanner Institute, and the Global Culture Report to help organizations stay ahead and create thriving workplace cultures.

Custom Awards

Our custom awards are designed to reflect the unique identity, values, and stories of each organization. Through close collaboration with clients, our design experts craft one-of-a-kind awards that create meaningful and memorable recognition experiences.

Every detail, from materials to messaging, is thoughtfully crafted to ensure the award not only honors the recipient but also reinforces the company’s culture and brand.

Tailored symbolism for unique achievements

We collaborate with organizations to design custom awards that reflect their own stories and values. These bespoke awards serve as meaningful symbols of accomplishment, reinforcing the significance of individual and team achievements.​

Award design and curation

Clients can design custom awards that resonate with their workforce. Every piece is thoughtfully crafted to reinforce appreciation and make recognition moments memorable.

Client Success Story: FedEx

FedEx partnered with O.C. Tanner to create custom coins recognizing drivers for each year of safe driving. These awards not only celebrate safety milestones but also contribute to a positive safety culture within the company.

“We have statistical and anecdotal evidence that receiving the awards has a positive correlation with the reduction of accidents."
‍—Susan Henry, HR Business Advisor, FedEx

Client Success Story: The Olympics

Since 2000, we’ve partnered with Team USA to create rings for every Olympic and Paralympic team member. We also designed, crafted, and handmade the Inspiration award. Team USA athletes give the Inspiration award to someone who helped them achieve their Olympic-sized dreams. This custom pin honors the heritage of the games and those who help make the journey possible.

Client Success Story: BHP

BHP recognized employees' career milestones with custom Yearbooks™ and beautifully crafted pins representing the company's history and identity. These personalized awards celebrate individual achievements and strengthen the connection between employees and the company's values.

The O.C. Tanner Institute

The O.C. Tanner Institute is the global research and education division of O.C. Tanner. The Institute conducts in-depth studies and publishes insights on employee engagement, motivation, and organizational performance. By leveraging this research, the O.C. Tanner Institute helps companies create strategic recognition programs that improve employee satisfaction, boost morale, and drive long-term success.

Research-driven recognition

At the heart of O.C. Tanner’s approach to employee recognition is a commitment to deep data and evidence-based research. The O.C. Tanner Institute conducts extensive global studies on workplace culture, leadership, and recognition. The annual Global Culture Report draws insights from tens of thousands of employees and leaders across industries and countries, making it one of the most comprehensive culture-focused studies in the world. Simply put, there is no other publication like it.

Shaping strategy with data

Clients benefit directly from this global research, which informs every aspect of recognition program design. Whether the goal is to increase engagement, reduce turnover, or improve business outcomes, the Institute’s findings help shape customized solutions that are aligned with real-world trends and employee expectations.

This means recognition strategies aren’t just built on templates and good intentions—they’re proven to work. For instance, the 2024 Global Culture Report found that employees who perceive their leaders have the tools to help them manage change are:

• 5x more likely to feel a sense of community‍
• ‍6x more likely to thrive at work‍
• ‍10x more likely to feel a strong sense of trust‍
• ‍76% less likely to experience burnout

Adapting to a changing workplace

The Institute’s ongoing analysis allows clients to stay ahead of emerging workplace dynamics. From hybrid work challenges to the evolving needs of younger generations, we use our research to help organizations adapt their recognition practices in ways that are timely and relevant. These insights keep recognition programs fresh, effective, and aligned with shifting employee priorities.

The power of expertise

In addition to published reports, our consultants apply the Institute’s research in hands-on ways—advising clients on how to communicate recognition, train leaders, and measure program success. This level of expert guidance helps clients translate complex cultural insights into practical, high-impact actions.

Recognition with lasting impact

Ultimately, the Institute ensures that O.C. Tanner’s solutions go beyond surface-level rewards. We focus on creating meaningful, sustainable change—using recognition as a catalyst for better performance, stronger relationships, and more inclusive, resilient workplace cultures.

Built for the Long Game

The ability to scale and adapt is built into everything O.C. Tanner offers. Our clients don’t just use their recognition programs—they grow with them. We’ve been in the culture business for nearly 100 years and many of our partnerships span decades. These long-term collaborations have helped organizations continuously evolve their recognition strategies to meet new challenges—from mergers and cultural transformations to supporting innovation, inclusion, wellness, and more.

“O.C. Tanner cares about our business. They are interested in what drives Chevron. Then, they tailor recommendations to what will create value for us. It’s a remarkable partnership.”
‍—Tim Papa, HR General Manager, Compensation and Mobility, Chevron

Recognition That Reflects You

At the end of the day, we always ensure that your recognition program reflects your brand’s voice, not ours. We offer flexible, customizable solutions that allow organizations to create a recognition experience that truly embodies their culture and values.

O.C. Tanner leads the employee recognition industry with experience, innovation, expertise, and partnership. If your goal is to build a world-class work culture that lasts, you need more than a platform. You need a passionate partner. Let’s chat.