Celebrate our everyday heroes with new ThinkThanks campaign

It’s the season of thankfulness and gratitude – the perfect time to launch a systemwide campaign to recognize employees every and any day! Called ThinkThanks, the campaign is part of the Yale New Haven Recognition Connection employee recognition program introduced in May during the 10 Days of Gratitude.

“Recognition is a powerful motivator. When we acknowledge each other’s hard work and dedication, we create a positive work environment that boosts morale, fosters loyalty and enhances job satisfaction,” said Denise Morris, vice president, Inclusion, Belonging and Employee/Labor Relations, YNHHS. “Our goal is to make recognition a natural part of our daily interactions. Recognition Connection is more than a program. It’s a movement to build a culture of appreciation and gratitude across our organization.”

ThinkThanks offers every employee the ability to express appreciation to others. Program highlights:

• Accessible intranet page open to all YNHHS employees to participate in recognizing others
• RAVE peer and leadership recognition opportunities that empower everyone to recognize individual and team achievements
• KUDOS for different milestones celebrating special achievements, team awards, birthdays and work anniversaries
• System awards programs to recognize employees across the organization
• Monthly themes highlighting stories of alignment with YNHHS' core values

How it works

1. Visit Recognition Connections on the employee intranet.
2. Honor an employee with a simple thank you or note of appreciation by sending a KUDOS – or send a RAVE to recognize exceptional performance and results.
3. Nominate an employee for an award.

Get involved

• Join our team of Recognition Ambassadors, who will surprise colleagues with instant recognition and rewards. Volunteer online at https://forms.office.com/r/7P4b2nbaAH.
• Share stories of recognition on our social media platforms. Use our campaign hashtag, #thinkthanks.  
• Watch for employee highlights on our internal and external social media platforms. 
• Participate in virtual and in-person events to celebrate our collective achievements. 

“This is only the start of our recognition journey,” Morris said. “We are excited to connect employees across the health system with opportunities to express and receive much deserved gratitude for your dedication, hard work and achievements. Together, we will continue to build a world-class organization for the patients we serve.”