A strong workplace culture doesn’t happen by chance — it’s built with intention, collaboration, and genuine care for the people who make up your organisation. At the heart of every thriving company lies a culture that encourages engagement, recognition, and human connection.
One of the most effective ways to create this environment is by putting your employees in the driver’s seat. When staff have the chance to shape their own workplace experience, initiatives not only feel authentic but also spark a deep sense of ownership and pride. A great example of this approach is the WOW Board at Dawleys, a simple but powerful tool born from employee feedback and designed to celebrate everyday excellence.
What is a WOW Board?
The WOW Board is a physical space in Dawleys’ staff area where anyone can post notes recognising a colleague who’s gone above and beyond. Whether it’s a small act of kindness or an outstanding display of teamwork, these shout-outs give peers the chance to spotlight each other's contributions.
At the end of each month, the company reviews all WOW nominations during a team meeting, and the standout contributors earn different rewards. Ranging from a coveted week of front-row parking at the office to lunch paid for by the company. The combination of peer-led recognition and a fun, tangible reward has made the WOW Board a cherished part of Dawleys’ culture.
The Origins of Employee Driven Recognition
The WOW Board wasn’t a top-down directive. Like many meaningful culture initiatives, it started with a simple conversation: employees voiced the need for a space to appreciate one another, and the leadership team listened.
In the same spirit, company-wide events aimed at improving cross-team relationships also stemmed directly from employee suggestions. When staff have a voice in the culture-building process, the results are more authentic, creative, and likely to succeed.
“The concept for the WOW board originated from employee feedback, as many expressed a desire for a space to recognise their peers' contributions.” — Dawleys Culture Team
From Idea to Implementation
Turning a great idea into reality takes more than enthusiasm — it takes structure and collaboration. Dawleys’ process included:
- Idea-Building Sessions: Open forums where staff shared suggestions and refined concepts.
- Action Planning: Developing a roadmap to bring initiatives to life.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Working alongside key team members, like Sally, to handle logistics and ensure a smooth rollout.
The WOW Board, for instance, came with an unexpected hurdle: the wall needed reinforcing to support the new display. But once that challenge was resolved, the board quickly became a natural part of everyday life.
Driving Engagement: Getting People Onboard
For any workplace initiative to thrive, you need buy-in — not just from leadership but from the entire team. Dawleys promoted their initiatives using internal communication platforms like Jostle, and perhaps more importantly, relied on human connection.
“We promoted our project through Jostle (internal online social media) and brought our lively personalities to engage others.”
When people see their peers excited and involved, participation becomes contagious.
The Importance of Recognition
Recognition isn’t a perk — it’s a core component of a healthy workplace. When employees feel appreciated, their engagement, motivation, and sense of belonging all increase. The WOW Board isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about reinforcing the idea that every contribution matters and doesn’t go unnoticed by senior staff members.
“We want our staff to feel truly appreciated and understand how much we value their contributions.” — Dawleys Culture Team
Even something as simple as a handwritten note on a wall can make a lasting impact on morale and satisfaction.
Overcoming Challenges & Celebrating Benefits
Every new initiative faces challenges. For Dawleys, the biggest was encouraging consistent participation. But with time, the benefits became clear: stronger team morale, deeper interdepartmental connections, and a workplace where appreciation is part of the daily rhythm.
“Staff engagement can be challenging, but recognising each other's hard work is incredibly valuable and helps people feel appreciated.”
Advice for Companies Looking to Build a Strong Workplace Culture
If you aim to improve your workplace culture, the most important thing you can do is start listening. Employees often hold the best insights into what’s missing and what’s possible.
“For companies looking to drive cultural change, it's crucial to listen to your employees... By actively engaging with your team, you not only gain insights into their needs and perspectives, but you also empower them to be part of the change process.”
In other words, employee-led initiatives like Dawleys’ WOW Board succeed not because they’re complex or expensive but because they come from the people they’re designed to serve
What's Coming Up?
As mentioned, having employee engagement is crucial in having your company’s values be brought to live and lived out each day through the various business functions.
Which is why when we started our new initiatives, Every Second Counts, we asked each team to put forward a willing ‘champion’ to contribute.
This initiative will give employees the chance to present ideas on how we as a company can save time or resources, making day to day responsibilities that bit easier.
The champion’s will then hold meetings and decide which ideas are viable options with the best suggestions being rewarded in whichever aspect they save resources. Ie. if a suggestion saves time, the employee who put the idea forward can earn a reward of having an hour long lunch etc.
We are constantly looking for ways to improve our culture and internal processes as well as ensuring staff have their say.
Final Thoughts
Building a vibrant workplace culture is an ongoing process — one that requires curiosity, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to recognising and valuing your team. Whether you’re launching a peer-recognition board, planning social events, or creating new ways for teams to connect, the key is involving your employees every step of the way.
When you empower your people to shape the culture they want to be part of, you don’t just build a better workplace — you build a stronger, more connected company.
Find out more about Life at Dawleys here