Employees want to be recognized. And it’s not just about money. Sure, a bonus is nice. But does it really communicate the personalized appreciation they crave?
According to Gallup, employees want recognition for a job well done. Employees who feel valued stay longer and put in more effort, while those who aren’t feel forgotten and tend to look for positions elsewhere.
But recognition can’t be one-size-fits-all. It should be authentic and genuine. It needs to be lasting. In a word—it needs to be meaningful.
That’s why companies are turning to partners like SymbolArts to create recognition programs that truly resonate.
Strong Utah Roots
A family-grown business in Ogden, Utah, SymbolArts has been crafting high-quality custom recognition items since 1986. Originally launched as a custom ring designer, the company has since expanded to produce everything from coins and patches to belt buckles and badges—each uniquely tailored to highlight achievement, celebrate milestones and elevate company culture.
“Since COVID and returning to work, people’s approach to their work has changed,” said Greg Sanders, CEO of SymbolArts. “Companies really want to attract and retain their talent. We help them create products and programs to memorialize their work.”
Creating a culture of celebration is key, Sanders added. Recognition efforts should go beyond the basic swag and become part of a larger employee experience strategy. That’s exactly what SymbolArts helps their clients do—by producing tangible symbols that reinforce values, express gratitude and build identity.
Unique Recognition Pieces
For SymbolArts customer BHI, employees have valued the key recognition pieces created by SymbolArts.
“They are a big part of our anniversary program,” said Jalesa Polson, employee experience specialist at BHI. “They helped us design and then created custom coin boxes and coins to commemorate employment anniversaries.”
SymbolArts also produced a custom belt buckle for BHI—an item that stands out and gets noticed. “It’s high quality and helps us show our people that we appreciate them,” she said.
These aren’t just giveaways. SymbolArts’ pieces are intentionally designed to reflect a company’s unique culture and the contributions of its people—and employees take notice.
“This definitely helps to inspire employees,” Polson continued. “It’s lasting—something they can hold onto. It helps us to create a deeper connection and a sense of belonging, which everyone really wants.”
James Hutchinson, who collaborated with SymbolArts during his time at Peterson Inc., echoed those sentiments.
“Organizations have to put a lot of time and thought into creating these pieces,” he said. “That shows the employee that they value them.”
For Peterson Inc., SymbolArts created miniature keychains modeled after the products employees made in their day-to-day work. “These were custom show-stoppers,” Hutchinson said. “They carry weight.”
And not just physically. Recognition pieces like these carry emotional and symbolic weight—communicating to employees that their work is not only seen but celebrated.
Growing Trend
SymbolArts’ approach highlights a growing trend in employee engagement: using customized, tangible items to reinforce company culture and values. As Sanders put it, “These represent a symbol of inclusion. They show that you are a part of our team.”
When thoughtfully integrated into a recognition strategy, custom items:
- Promote core values. A custom badge or coin can visually embody the mission and vision of a company.
- Boost employee engagement. Receiving a personalized, meaningful item strengthens employees’ emotional connection to their employer.
- Foster identity. Employees begin to see themselves as part of something bigger than their individual roles.
- Celebrate real accomplishments. Whether it’s years of service, program completion or going above and beyond, the recognition is specific, not generic.
To make the most of a custom recognition program, Sanders recommends aligning each item with company values, involving employees in the design process and using high-quality materials. “Quality matters,” he said. “It symbolizes the value the company places on its people.”
SymbolArts’ decades of experience working with corporations, public safety officials and nonprofits across the country has given them a unique perspective on what motivates people and what makes them feel appreciated. From custom police and EMS badges to coins commemorating company milestones, they’ve seen the power that recognition can have.
“Recognition isn’t just about what someone did,” Sanders said. “It’s about who they are to your team. And when you get that right, it makes all the difference.”
In a competitive job market where retention and engagement matter more than ever, meaningful recognition is essential. And companies like SymbolArts are helping HR teams turn recognition into a lasting symbol of value, belonging and pride.