How an Award Show For Your Team Can Increase Retention (and may be the most fun you've had all year)

For all my millennial friends, no TV character shaped our view of workplace culture more than Michael Scott. 

One moment that still makes me laugh is when he drags the team to Chili’s for an awards show: The Dundees. 

Some of the awards were:

• Hottest in the office

• Whitest sneakers

• Longest engagement 

 Were the awards ridiculous? Yes. 

Were some of them borderline insulting? Also yes. 

Yet a few things happened: 

1. Employees still showed up

2. People laughed 

3. They felt seen

The Office was able to shine a light on a leadership principle we all can apply.

Recognition creates belonging, and belonging creates long-term work fulfillment.

(and less turnover)

Over five years ago, I decided to give it a try… 

In 2021, I hosted my first annual High-Powered Fitness Awards. 

This Office Inspired Tradition welcomed all clients from my private practice as a personal trainer for an evening of food, recognition, and… (unfortunately) a motivational speech by yours truly. 

It wasn’t quite as iconic as The Dundees. 

But it was just as cringe. 

This year, after going all in with Local Habit Coffee Co., I decided to keep the tradition alive with The Local Habit Barista Awards. 

Same concept, 

Much bigger impact. 

Last Saturday, we gathered the team for a gift exchange, lots of food, and an awards show where I presented some of my newest awards, specifically geared for our in-house Gen-Z baristas. 

I might have topped Michael Scott with this one… 

Some of the awards included:

• Main Character Barista

• Immaculate Aura Award

• Most Likely to go Viral On Accident

 Super funny,

Super on brand. 

I also wanted some that were heartfelt and affirming,

So, we had a second lineup of awards. 

A few of which included:

• Customer Favorite

• Barista of the Year Award

• And even The Reason This Place Feels Like Home Award

And what did this cost me?

An hour brainstorming the awards and the time it took to print them off. 

But the result?

• They laughed, 

• They felt appreciated, 

• And they’re still talking about it now.

And here’s why this matters…

Gallup and Workhuman tracked 3,500 employees from 2022-2024 and found that well-recognized employees are 45% less likely to leave two years later.

 Newer findings show that up to 65% of employees are less likely to be actively looking for another job or waiting for another opportunity. 

My friend Jake Thompson recently shared a scary survey from Nectar saying that 71% of people would be less likely to leave if they felt recognized more often. 

Is that really all it takes to improve retention? 

Letting our team know that we appreciate them from time to time.

That we value their time and presence.

That we see their hard work. 

Maybe Michael Scott, although crude and oblivious, understood something most neglect… When people feel seen for their work in a place they spend a chunk of their life,

It builds connection, trust, and appreciation. 

And those are the things that keep people around… 

(9 full seasons if we’re still referencing The Office) 

So, here is my challenge to leaders reading this:

Host your own mini awards show. 

Doesn’t have to be formal. 

Doesn’t have to be expensive. 

But it should be thoughtful, special, and fun. 

And you know what that might win you?

• Boss of the Year

• Best Leader Award

• Most Likely to Be Successful

Go ahead and make that Chili’s reservation.

When’s your next Awards Show? 

Let's Make Moves,

-Chase

Looking to bring in someone in the New Year to talk with your team on Goal Setting, Leadership, Wellness, and Professional Growth? Let’s connect to see how I can serve your organization. Book a call here!