Personalized Recognition Employee Experience
Sep 29, 2022 11:10:09 AM

7 Questions to Ask Employees About Rewards and Recognition

Did you know that U.S. businesses spent $176 billion on recognition rewards in 2022? That number was almost half that at the before of the pandemic. These programs a...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck

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Aug 31, 2022 10:24:41 AM

The Top 6 Reasons Why Employee Recognition Programs Fail

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated for 2023 to include new data. In 2019, the World Health Organization defined burnout as “a syndrome conceptualized as re...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Jul 19, 2022 4:14:50 PM

3 Steps To Effectively Roll Out Your Employee Recognition Program

Summer is in full swing! Days at the lake, ice cream cones, and sweltering heat. The perfect time for exciting new adventures, both in your family life and at work. ...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Jun 2, 2022 1:37:48 PM

3 Steps To Building An Effective Employee Recognition Framework

Last month, we released some tips and tricks to effectively gain executive buy-in for your new recognition program. Obtaining buy-in is critical in allowing you to m...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Apr 29, 2022 9:24:57 AM

"Spring" Into Employee Engagement with the Sparck ROI Analysis

Nothing says “new beginnings” like springtime! Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and the smell of freshly cut grass fills the air. The possibilities are endl...
Author: Abigail Kidd, VP of Client Experience at Sparck
Apr 11, 2022 4:44:42 PM

Optimize Your Recognition Strategy in 4 Easy Steps to Ignite Employee Retention

Did you know that the number one reason why employees are leaving is that they don’t feel valued by their organization and manager? All the more reason to get to the...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Feb 28, 2022 8:04:24 AM

6 Sparck Appreciation Styles: How to Show Employee Appreciation

If you’ve been following our content, you likely already know the importance of recognizing employees and the major impact it has on building a positive company cult...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Jan 28, 2022 10:11:59 AM

Secrets from the Sparck Research Lab: 500 Employee Voices

Now more than ever, letting your employees and teammates know just how valued they are is crucial; putting this off is no longer an option. We’ve all seen the headli...
Author: Abigail Kidd, VP of Client Experience at Sparck
Dec 21, 2021 1:46:37 PM

Sparck’s Unique Employee Holiday Gift Guide

It’s that time of year again… Twinkling lights hanging in store windows, the smell of pine fills the air, and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” is played on ...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Employee Engagement
Oct 29, 2021 1:19:23 PM

Bring Employee Loyalty Back From the Dead With This 2 Part Process

Halloween is this weekend, so let’s kick things off with a scary statistic. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 15 million employees have qui...
Author: Abigail Kidd, VP of Client Experience at Sparck
Sep 27, 2021 4:42:44 PM

4 Secrets to Get Executive Buy-In (That They Don’t Teach HR)

Fall is finally here and that means cooler weather is on the horizon, pumpkin spiced lattes are back, and schools are in session again. As we enter this new season a...
Author: Abigail Kidd, VP of Client Experience at Sparck
Aug 31, 2021 2:45:29 PM

A 4-Step Action Plan To Beat The Great Resignation

Can we take a minute to have an honest reflection on how much has changed over the last year? Covid gave us the opportunity to focus on what truly matters, and appre...
Author: Jenni Choban
Jul 20, 2021 1:21:06 PM

4 Essential Skills to Fast Forward to Management Success

While many of us are returning to the office again, this supposed “return to normal” is anything but. If you’re like me, you may feel stuck between pressing “play” o...
Author: Abigail Kidd, VP of Client Experience at Sparck
Personalized Recognition Employee Engagement
Jun 10, 2021 9:41:53 AM

6 Sparck Recognition Tips to Leave Employee Burnout in the Dust

As the summer creeps quickly upon us, there’s an unavoidable nostalgia that comes along with it. Now that the COVID cloud is clearing, we’re even looking forward to ...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Leadership Employee Experience Company Culture and Wellness
Apr 30, 2021 4:35:44 PM

Beyond Greens & the Gym: 3 Ways to Drive a Healthy Workplace Your Employees Need

If you haven’t caught on by now, the workplace as we know it has forever changed.   Could any of us really have prepared for how much the lack of human connection wo...
Author: Jenni Choban
Personalized Recognition Employee Experience HR
Mar 26, 2021 1:15:00 PM

How to Navigate the Human Side of HR Tech

We may have taken for granted how on-trend the Jetsons were with their predictions nearly 60 years ago. Over the years we’ve seen and heard of dynamic changes in Art...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Teams Leadership
Feb 23, 2021 10:30:00 AM

How Great Leaders Sow the Seeds of Belonging

Today there are many discussions at work about diversity and inclusion (D&I) so that people no matter what background or hierarchical rank can be heard, valued a...
Author: Coley World
Leadership
Feb 4, 2021 11:00:00 AM

4 Things Every Leader Needs to Know in 2021

Hindsight is always 20/20. In this LinkedIn Article, Anna Straus, Sparck’s CEO, shares unexpected silver linings from last year that opened our eyes to blind spots a...
Author: Abigail Kidd, VP of Client Experience at Sparck
Personalized Recognition Employee Experience
Dec 16, 2020 11:30:00 AM

Recognition: The Holiday Gift Your Employees Will Love

What's the gift your employees will love this holiday season? You might be surprised! Employees want the gift of your genuine interest and care for them, especially ...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Employee Engagement Employee Experience
Nov 19, 2020 11:13:00 AM

Employee Engagement Surveys: An Essential Tool During COVID-19

Today we’re navigating a completely different world than ever imagined. In June, employee engagement fell to an all-time record low. No other national crisis has imp...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Oct 21, 2020 4:03:09 PM

Trick or Treat: Retain New Hires with a Killer Onboarding Experience

Imagine you’ve met some new people and they're the type of people you’d be glad to call your friends. You happily accept when they invite you to their home for a Hal...
Author: Ashli Komaryk
Personalized Recognition Employee Experience
Aug 18, 2020 8:22:46 AM

Back to Basics: Appreciating Your Employees in a Remote World

For some employees, this time of year would be spent buying school supplies and enrolling in fall activities. But this year, those same employees are facing a vastly...
Author: Abigail Kidd, VP of Client Experience at Sparck
Employee Engagement Employee Experience Company Culture and Wellness
Jul 27, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Virtual is the New Vogue: Keep Your Employees Healthy and Productive

Lunch with coworkers and Friday happy hours…remember those? Heck, right now many of us would probably relish the chance to converse in the break room as we drink bur...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Company Culture and Wellness
Jul 13, 2020 8:25:28 AM

Build a Strong Company Culture, Outside the Office

According to a Glassdoor survey, 56% of employees stated a good workplace culture is more important than salary. Company culture is the foundation for building a gre...
Author: Maryellen Stockton
Employee Experience Talent
Jun 17, 2020 1:01:11 PM

3 Graduation Secrets to Attract and Retain the Best Talent

It’s that time of year again when graduating students are the largest population entering the job market. For recruiting, this is a great opportunity to access untap...
Author: Abigail Kidd, VP of Client Experience at Sparck
Sparck and Dark Stories
May 27, 2020 11:51:00 AM

Sparck and Dark Stories: Employee Surveys during COVID

At Sparck, we have a saying: Avoid the Dark and Ignite the Sparck! Okay, so you’re probably wondering what that’s all about.   A "Dark Story" is a time when managers...
Author: Anonymous
Personalized Recognition
May 26, 2020 3:47:46 PM

Personalized Recognition: How to Ask the Right Questions

In our blog post How to Successfully Recognize your Generationally Diverse Workforce, we broke down the differences between generations in the workforce to help you ...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Leadership Employee Engagement
May 19, 2020 10:09:15 AM

How to Successfully Recognize Your Generationally Diverse Workforce

Today’s workforce is more generationally diverse than ever. Many companies find themselves employing workers within four different generations, which results in new ...
Author: Abigail Kidd, VP of Client Experience at Sparck
Personalized Recognition
Apr 15, 2020 11:15:00 AM

4 Key Ingredients for a Personalized Employee Recognition Experience

Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket! Today the phrase “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” is commonly associated with financial investments.  Put all your mone...
Author: Abigail Kidd, VP of Client Experience at Sparck
Sparck and Dark Stories
Apr 15, 2020 11:00:00 AM

Sparck and Dark Stories: Stale Peeps and Softball

  Don't Live in the Dark! Did you know that generic recognition (or lack thereof) is impacting your workplace?  Sneak a peek into what your employees want to say, bu...
Author: Anonymous
Sparck and Dark Stories
Mar 23, 2020 10:51:12 AM

Sparck and Dark Stories: Teamwork

Don't Live in the Dark! Did you know that generic recognition (or lack thereof) is impacting your workplace?  Sneak a peek into what your employees want to say, but ...
Author: Anonymous
Teams Leadership
Mar 20, 2020 6:39:36 PM

The Madness in March: 5 Ways to Coach Remote Teams During COVID-19

Today we are all facing a new reality both personally and professionally.  As you might guess from the title of this blog, we originally intended March Madness to be...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Sparck and Dark Stories
Feb 12, 2020 5:02:00 PM

Sparck and Dark Stories: Valentine's Day

  Don't Live in the Dark! Did you know that generic recognition (or lack thereof) is impacting your workplace?  Sneak a peek into what your employees want to say, bu...
Author: Anonymous
Leadership
Feb 12, 2020 10:00:00 AM

6 Stages to Being a Better Leader

All humans have one thing in common: we want to love and be loved. We accept this idea when it comes to family, pets, sports teams, and favorite bands. But the momen...
Author: Hernani Alves
Personalized Recognition Employee Engagement
Jan 21, 2020 11:03:12 AM

5 Key Characteristics of the Best Employee Recognition Programs

If you have an Employee Recognition Program in place, now is the time to ask yourself “how can we improve?  What worked and what didn’t? What can we do better?” If y...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Sparck and Dark Stories
Jan 21, 2020 10:46:58 AM

Sparck and Dark Stories: The Do's and Don'ts of Thank You Notes

Don't Live in the Dark! Did you know that generic recognition (or lack thereof) is impacting your workplace?  Sneak a peek into what your employees want to say, but ...
Author: Anonymous
Dec 16, 2019 5:05:33 PM

“Ho...Ho...Oh…” - Employee Holiday Gifts Gone Wrong

With the holiday season in full swing, you’re probably starting to think about what gifts to get your employees.  But what to buy? Ah yes, the annual conundrum! Let’...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Sparck and Dark Stories
Dec 16, 2019 4:56:36 PM

Sparck and Dark Stories: Holiday Season

Don't Live in the Dark! Did you know that generic recognition (or lack thereof) is impacting your workplace?  Sneak a peek into what your employees want to say, but ...
Author: Anonymous
Personalized Recognition Employee Engagement
Nov 25, 2019 12:35:11 PM

Values-Based Recognition - It's All in the Design

By now you probably know how important it is to recognize your employees in a meaningful way and it’s no secret that many of the world’s most successful companies ha...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Sparck and Dark Stories
Nov 25, 2019 12:29:00 PM

Sparck and Dark Stories: Don't Leave it up to Lady Luck

 Don't Live in the Dark! Did you know that generic recognition (or lack thereof) is impacting your workplace?  Sneak a peek into what your employees want to say, but...
Author: Anonymous
Teams Employee Experience
Sep 20, 2019 10:15:20 AM

Enhance Your Employee Experience with Social Wellness

Chances are if you’ve lived above ground over the past several years, you’re familiar with the growing trend that the workplace isn’t all about work…work and more wo...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Sparck and Dark Stories
Sep 20, 2019 10:03:10 AM

Sparck and Dark Stories: Make it Meaningful

Don't Live in the Dark! Did you know that generic recognition (or lack thereof) is impacting your workplace?  Sneak a peek into what your employees want to say, but ...
Author: Anonymous
Sparck and Dark Stories
Aug 19, 2019 10:50:07 AM

Sparck and Dark Stories: The Right Way to Show Appreciation

Don't Live in the Dark! Did you know that generic recognition (or lack thereof) is impacting your workplace?  Sneak a peek into what your employees want to say, but ...
Author: Anonymous
Personalized Recognition Employee Engagement
Aug 14, 2019 12:17:02 PM

Traditional Employee Recognition is Increasing Turnover

The Scene: Jack has been a dedicated employee with your company for 5 years!  This is his first job out of college and you appreciate the hard work and loyalty he ha...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Leadership Employee Engagement
Jul 21, 2019 11:20:40 PM

Not just a TV Show - 4 Ways to Give Your Employees a Voice

Today, more than half of all employees are actively looking for a new job according to Gallup - yikes. They’re disengaged, and IF they decide to leave, it costs comp...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Sparck and Dark Stories
Jul 18, 2019 9:49:02 AM

Sparck and Dark Stories: Remember Birthdays

Don't Live in the Dark! Did you know that generic recognition (or lack thereof) is impacting your workplace?  Sneak a peek into what your employees want to say, but ...
Author: Anonymous
Sparck and Dark Stories
Apr 19, 2019 3:32:07 PM

Sparck and Dark Stories: Ignite a Thriving Workplace

At Sparck, we have a saying - “Avoid the dark and ignite the Sparck.”  Okay, so you’re probably wondering what that’s all about.   “Dark” moments are the times where...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Personalized Recognition Employee Engagement
Mar 27, 2019 2:17:08 PM

Personalized Recognition Eats Perks for Breakfast

“Wow, is there anything that I can do to change your mind?” “Is there something we can do on our end to make you happy?” “What would it take for us to keep you?” Why...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Employee Engagement
Jun 25, 2018 1:48:35 PM

Where is your talent going?

What is your company actively doing to avoid losing talent? Get a pulse on turnover and employee engagement with our FREE #BeHeard Employee Engagement Survey!  
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
Leadership
Jun 24, 2018 6:09:10 PM

Take Time off for Health and Wellnesss

Taking time off has long been stigmatized in U.S. business culture. Kimble, a professional services automation company based in Boston, found that 47 percent of work...
Author: Anna Straus, CEO at Sparck
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7 Questions to Ask Employees About Rewards and Recognition
The Top 6 Reasons Why Employee Recognition Programs Fail
3 Steps To Effectively Roll Out Your Employee Recognition...
3 Steps To Building An Effective Employee Recognition...
"Spring" Into Employee Engagement with the Sparck ROI...
7 Questions to Ask Employees About Rewards and Recognition
6 Sparck Appreciation Styles: How to Show Employee...
Personalized Recognition: How to Ask the Right Questions
3 Steps To Building An Effective Employee Recognition...
The Top 6 Reasons Why Employee Recognition Programs Fail

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