As RPI’s workforce continues to grow and evolve, so should the way we recognize and support one another! RPI Recognize, our new rewards and recognition platform, launches January 2026, bringing a fresh and fun way to celebrate our people.
Check out the User Guide and stay tuned for more information!
Strategies for Meaningful Recognition!
- Be specific and concise — focus on what was done and why it mattered.
- Describe the behavior and results, not just the outcome.
- Recognize progress and effort, not only final achievements.
- Pay attention to how each employee prefers to be recognized.
- Leading or contributing to a project with a positive impact.
- Going above and beyond to meet a goal or deadline.
- Delivering exceptional service or addressing a unique need.
- Volunteering at Institute or community events.
- Providing outstanding support to a colleague or team.
- Sharing useful insights or learnings with others.
- Suggesting innovative ideas or process improvements.
- Collaborating effectively across departments or disciplines.
- Demonstrating flexibility or adaptability in changing circumstances.
- Incorporating diverse perspectives into team projects or decisions.
- Use the Awardco platform for public or private recognition!
- Offer a verbal or written thank-you.
- Send a handwritten note or e-card.
- Create a “wall of fame” for customer or peer kudos.
- Host a team lunch, outing, or coffee break to celebrate success.
- Sponsor attendance at a conference or development opportunity.
- Arrange a lunch with a senior leader as a special acknowledgment.
- Pass along a fun, rotating team award or trophy.
- Plan a random act of appreciation or small surprise.
Key Programs
Everyday Excellence
Peer to peer recognition celebrating colleagues who demonstrate RPI’s values in their daily work.
How it Works:
- Send a quick recognition anytime through the Awardco platform.
- Link your recognition to one of RPI's 8 core values!
- Recognitions can be private or shared on the live feed for everyone to see.
- All faculty and staff can recognize peers, team members, or cross-department partners.
Milestone Moments
Celebrates the moments that matter — big and small.
How it works:
Automated recognitions will be displayed on the Awardco feed highlighting:
- Years of Service (redeemable points earned at key anniversaries)
- Birthdays (automated celebration posts)
- New Hires (welcome recognitions on the platform)
- Rewards:
- Employees will accumulate points at certain years of service milestones. You can redeem your points for a wide selection of Amazon items, e-gift cards, RPI swag, experiences, and more!
- YOS milestones with points: 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 20, 35, 40, 45, 50
Coming Fall 2026 - Annual Staff Awards by Nomination
Honors exceptional staff whose achievements and contributions drive RPI's mission forward. Building on the prestigious and historic Pillar Award, four additional staff awards will celebrate the diverse ways employees contribute to RPI’s mission, each highlighting a different aspect of excellence.
- Pillar Award - RPI’s highest and most prestigious honor for staff. Established in 1993 by Carl Westerdahl, this award recognizes a long-term staff member who has made a lasting impact on the Institute.
- Innovation Excellence Award – Honors creativity, resourcefulness, and proactive problem-solving that
drives improvement or transformation. - Let’s Go Red! Champion Award – Celebrates partnership, inclusivity, and the collaborative spirit that strengthens
the RPI community. - Early Impact Award – Honors staff with less than one year at RPI who have already made significant and meaningful impact.
- Vision in Action Team Award – Honors a team that demonstrates how a shared vision and teamwork can drive meaningful change, exemplifying RPI Forward Core Values.
