O.C. Tanner’s Culture by Design Podcast

O.C. Tanner

Welcome to O.C. Tanner's Culture by Design podcast, where we discuss the research, practices, and strategies that help organizations create thriving workplace cultures around the world.  Ready to transform your workplace? Head to octanner.com to get started.

  1. 6D AGO

    Social ties lead to ROI: The state of employee recognition in 2026

    This episode, Daniel Patterson and Dr. Cristen Dalessandro from the O.C. Tanner Institute share the top findings from the latest State of Employee Recognition report.   Many organizations right now are focused on automation and productivity above all else. But, for employees to feel willing to invest their time, efforts, and ideas in your organization, they need to feel your organization is willing to invest in them too.  When it comes to all the ways your organization can signal to your people that you are committed to their growth and development, recognition is a game changer. Employee recognition, when done well, amplifies interpersonal connections that have a profound impact not just on how employees feel at work, but how they work at work.  Takeaways: Social ties determine ROI. If you want to increase employee performance and see production and innovation accelerate, then you must invest in integrated recognition that builds powerful workplace relationships.  Peer-to-peer recognition is a team-building strategy. Recognition from leaders to employees has a big impact on things like performance and engagement, but encouraging peer-to-peer recognition practices can also help increase connection, build trust on teams, and ultimately unite your teams to reach important goals.  Elevate your employee recognition program with Recognition Champions. Whether you have a new program that you’re trying to get off the ground or a long-running program that you need to energize, employees that embrace, encourage, and champion recognition are one of your greatest assets when it comes to making recognition a part of your company’s way of life.  The Culture by Design podcast is created by O.C. Tanner, the global leader in software and services that improve workplace culture through meaningful employee recognition.   If you want your organization to become a place where people can’t wait to come to work in the morning, go to octanner.com.

    25 min

  2. FEB 24

    Preparing for a company-wide employee recognition event

    This episode, we're talking with Becca Schweitzer, Client Strategist at O.C. Tanner, about the top three things you should keep in mind when planning for your next company-wide recognition event like Employee Appreciation Day.  Becca partners with our clients to plan successful, meaningful recognition events throughout the year. She also has on-the-ground experience working in HR for a healthcare organization as an employee engagement coordinator, planning (and cleaning up after) these important appreciation moments.   Stick around for the end of the episode where we talk about ideas you can implement at your own workplace.  Takeaways:  Start your planning with feedback and lessons learned from previous events. What went well? What was difficult for your HR team? What resonated with employees? This will help you craft your event plan: dates, times, communications, gifts, and experiences.   Involve leaders early in the planning process to deliver meaningful, inclusive recognition moments. Your leaders know your people best, and they will be key in delivering this recognition experience—especially for offline or remote teammates.   Maximize impact beyond the event. Use this time to showcase your recognition tools, teach your people when and how to use them, and encourage behaviors by rewarding employees who use recognition tools the most.  The Culture by Design podcast is created by O.C. Tanner, the global leader in software and services that improve workplace culture through meaningful employee recognition.   If you want your organization to become a place where people can’t wait to come to work in the morning, go to octanner.com.

    25 min

  3. JAN 27

    What employees want from work in 2026

    This episode, we're talking with Christina Chau, Senior Content Manager at O.C. Tanner, about what employees really want from their workplaces in 2026.   We unpack Christina’s process for gathering industry research and insights to determine the top five workplace culture trends for the coming year, find out what surprised her, and answer some burning questions from HR leaders and practitioners like you.   Stick around for the end of the episode where we’ll talk about the ideas and actions you can take with you and implement at your own workplace.   A research analyst with nearly 20 years’ experience, Christina uncovers employee perspectives and writes about the trends, insights, and best practices that create workplace cultures where people thrive. She uses her background in conducting and publishing primary research to tap into what the data says and why it matters to modern leaders.  Takeaways:  Human connection is so important. There is great tech out there that can enrich both connection and appreciation at work, but don’t let it replace genuine, authentic, human moments. Use AI responsibly in your culture initiatives. Employees are asking for a lot from their workplaces now. They want inspiration from their teams, leaders, and employers; they want time to connect and time to recognize each other. Make sure to prioritize and encourage these experiences in 2026. Go read or watch Christina’s 5 Workplace Culture Trends for 2026 content for more insights and actionable takeaways to implement at your organization this year.  The Culture by Design podcast is created by O.C. Tanner, the global leader in software and services that improve workplace culture through meaningful employee recognition.   If you want your organization to become a place where people can’t wait to come to work in the morning, go to octanner.com.

    29 min

  4. TRAILER

    Introducing Culture by Design, a podcast from O.C. Tanner

    This new podcast series from O.C. Tanner explores the research, practices, and strategies that help create thriving workplace cultures around the world. If you're an HR leader, manager, or just passionate about building better workplaces, this is for you! Each month, you'll hear from our researchers, strategists, and global teams, and walk away with practical strategies to implement in your organization.  At O.C. Tanner, we know that a thriving workplace culture doesn't happen by accident—it’s by design. Join us as we uncover what makes workplaces truly great. Follow along at octanner.com, or wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe so you never miss an episode

    1 min

  5. 07/08/2022

    Troublemaking in the work place with guest Luvvie Ajayi Jones

    This episode, we’re talking with Luvvie Ajayi Jones about the power and pitfalls of stirring the pot in a professional setting. She sheds light on how she assumed her current title as “professional troublemaker” and how stifling dissent in the workplace can be the death of innovation. The Work Place is sponsored by O.C. Tanner, the global leader in engaging workplace cultures. O.C. Tanner’s Culture Cloud™️ provides a single, modular platform for influencing and improving employee experiences through recognition, career anniversaries, leadership, and more. If you want your organization to become a place where people can’t wait to come to work in the morning, go to octanner.com.

    36 min

  6. 06/10/2022

    Designing a workplace that reflects your values with guest Meghan Tuohig

    This episode, we’re talking with Meghan Tuohig, Chief People Officer of Overstock, about ways to design an intentional work culture and a work environment that offers support, belonging, and flexibility to a modern workforce.    The Work Place is sponsored by O.C. Tanner, the global leader in engaging workplace cultures. O.C. Tanner’s Culture Cloud™️ provides a single, modular platform for influencing and improving employee experiences through recognition, career anniversaries, leadership, and more.   If you want your organization to become a place where people can’t wait to come to work in the morning, go to octanner.com.

    47 min

  7. 05/13/2022

    Creating a culture of care with guest Janet Skolud of TD Bank Group

    This episode, we’re talking with Janet Skolud of TD Bank Group, about creating a culture of care through scalable platforms and innovative thinking when it comes to employee appreciation.  Janet Skolud is the Sr. Manager, Global Recognition Programs at TD Bank Group where she has worked for an impressive 21 years and counting. In her role, she has overseen the adoption of a new enterprise-wide recognition platform to enable easy access and consistent experiences for showing appreciation at their organization. Throughout the pandemic, TD managed to inspire appreciation for 100% of employees who were thanked for their contributions, leading to lower attrition rates strengthening TD’s culture of care in truly tangible ways.  The Work Place is sponsored by O.C. Tanner, the global leader in engaging workplace cultures. O.C. Tanner’s Culture Cloud™ provides a single, modular suite of apps for influencing and improving employee experiences through recognition, career anniversaries, wellbeing, leadership, and more. If you want your organization to become a place where people can’t wait to come to work in the morning, go to octanner.com.

    36 min

  8. 04/08/2022

    How recognition empowers everyone with Beril McManus of American Airlines

    This episode, we’re talking with Beril McManus, Senior Manager of Recognition, Events and Engagement at American Airlines, about how to recognize the progress you’ve made without resting on your laurels. She’ll discuss her holistic approach to building a culture of empowerment and recognition and share a few inside stories about the success they’ve had at American Airlines during these less-than-conventional past couple of years.  The Work Place is sponsored by O.C. Tanner, the global leader in engaging workplace cultures. O.C. Tanner’s Culture Cloud™ provides a single, modular suite of apps for influencing and improving employee experiences through recognition, career anniversaries, wellbeing, leadership, and more. If you want your organization to become a place where people can’t wait to come to work in the morning, go to octanner.com.

    38 min
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About

Welcome to O.C. Tanner's Culture by Design podcast, where we discuss the research, practices, and strategies that help organizations create thriving workplace cultures around the world.  Ready to transform your workplace? Head to octanner.com to get started.

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