Introduction

The Positive Peer Recognition review uses admiration as a central tool to foster a more positive, connected, and fairer workplace. When employees look outside themselves and actively recognise the great efforts and positive contributions of their colleagues, they are consciously outlining what great culture looks like.

How admiration functions in this process

1. Reinforcing Ideal Workplace Behaviour

Highlighting Culture Role Models:

When peers recognize each other’s strengths or positive contributions, they’re admiring behaviours that align with CORE VALUES like empathy, teamwork, and leadership. 

For example: 

Communication 

'Anne is an amazing listener. She takes the time to let others speak and always asks great follow-up questions to make sure she understands where people are coming from.' 

I am recognising my great colleague Anne in this example, but I am also writing out tips that will help me improve my listening skills 

I can't learn much from a culture slogan on the wall of my office, but I can emulate positive contributions of my colleagues that I have taken the time to highlight and reflect on.

These moments of admiration create clear, real-life examples of what "core values" look like.

Admiration of the exceptional contributions of peers helps employees see specific actions they can emulate. 

If a co-worker is recognized for resolving a challenging customer issue calmly and effectively, it sets a high-water mark others can aspire to, and learn from.

 

2. Creating Emotional Connections

Connected teams demonstrate a 21% increase in profitability over their less-connected counterparts (Gallup).

Admiration builds bonds of connection. When peers appreciate and admire each other, it fosters trust, mutual respect, and goodwill, making the workplace feel like a supportive community.

Highlighting the great work of others connects colleagues on a deeper emotional level. Admiration helps create an environment where people feel valued and motivated, which enhances collaboration.

 

3. Reflecting on excellence

Professionals improve their practice by reflecting on others' positive behaviours and learning from them, a process that can be facilitated by writing and endorsing positive behaviours in colleagues through PPR.

When individuals are admired for positive behaviours, it reinforces those actions, motivating them to continue and improve.

Additionally, those writing the positive feedback may be inspired to adopt similar behaviours, driving growth across the team.

 

4. Increasing workplace ‘relatedness’ (connection to peers)

When you recognize others’ positive behaviours, it can create a ripple effect, leading to a more positive atmosphere in the workplace, which is beneficial for both individual and collective well-being.

Boosts Mental Health

Writing positive things about colleagues can improve the well-being of the person expressing gratitude. It shifts focus away from negative thoughts and fosters a positive outlook, which can reduce stress and anxiety.

 

5. Shaping Workplace Culture

A Positive Feedback Loop: 

PPR encourages a culture where people actively look for the good in others. This fosters positivity and reduces negative behaviours like gossip, office politics, or unhealthy competition.

Defining Shared Values

As employees consistently admire behaviours that align with company values (e.g., teamwork, altruism, innovation), those values become more deeply embedded in the workplace culture.

Why Positive Peer Recognition Works:

Admiration taps into a basic human need for recognition and connection. 

By using Positive Peer Recognition, companies align individual motivations (being admired) with broader organizational goals (encouraging ideal workplace behaviours).

This synergy builds not just better individuals, but stronger teams and a healthier workplace culture.