Aró Digital Strategy is a creative web design, software development and digital marketing agency with 25 years experience of specialising in delivering technology solutions, sleekly designed website interfaces and digital strategies to hotels, resorts and luxury brands. Aró has always been intentional about creating a positive and equitable workplace culture and has maintained a forward-thinking approach to employee recognition and retention strategies. This drive to improve led them to partner with Talent Prospecting Ltd and their Positive Peer Recognition solution
Ireland
Aró was passionate about creating a culture where every employee has an equal opportunity to be seen, recognised, and rewarded for their efforts. This was a challenge as Aró has a remote-first culture, with entities in Ireland, London and Spain, along with a diverse workforce from 9 different counties. This remote environment made it difficult for Aró to make sure all their employees had the chance to make their voices heard.
Knowing that in self-report-based HR tools, it is scientifically proven that men rate their performance higher than equally performing women, Aró sought a better solution. To mitigate this, Aró implemented Positive Peer Recognition (PPR), as its unique ‘wisdom of the crowds’ methodology levels the playing field for all staff
Talent Prospecting Ltd tailored their Positive Peer Recognition (PPR) to the desired culture at Aró; one of altruism, collaboration, innovation, creative problem solving, and going above and beyond for colleagues. This specifically focused on highlighting employees who embodied this culture (Culture Role Models).
The PPR review was conducted with each team during the first half-hour of an all-hands meeting. The process of recognising peer contributions had an immediate and powerful impact, fostering a culture of appreciation and positivity. This is often referred to as a "helper’s high"—a natural boost to mood and overall morale. By highlighting others' positive behaviours and contributions, employees engaged in prosocial actions that inspired feelings of gratitude and well-being.
Employee Engagement up 14%
Saving of 12.5x yearly subscription cost of PPR
100% engagement in Positive Peer Recognition (PPR) review
100% engagement in Positive Peer Recognition (PPR) review, with every employee taking the time to look outside themselves and positively highlight the exceptional work and efforts of their colleagues.This shift in focus from self-reported to peer-validated endorsements ensures that recognition is based on genuine merit and consistent contribution
The implementation of PPR yielded both quantitative and qualitative benefits:
Aró saved €25000 of the cost associated with recruiting an external candidate (onboarding, training, recruiters fees)
When a senior leadership opportunity arose months after completion of the PPR review, Aró successfully filled this role internally with the aid of PPR data. PPR highlighted that one employee in particular had earned the trust and admiration of colleagues through consistently going above and beyond for colleagues- and the company.
The company was confident that the person was able to perform as a leader, not only because of previous performance, but also because PPR had identified the soft skills in this person from the consensus positive recommendations from their peers. More importantly, Aró was able to show a commitment to employee development by promoting internally.
Engagement scores rose by 14% (from 71% to 85%), with significant improvements in communication, care, and connection among employees.
The initiative identified employees with strong interpersonal and motivational skills, enabling robust succession planning and mentorship opportunities. PPR also highlighted employees who have the interpersonal skills, communication skills, and trust of their colleagues; employees equipped to take on mentorship roles within the company.
PPR gave insight beyond traditional metrics (such as altruism, trust, interpersonal skills, and ability to motivate others), allowing Aró to make the most informed decision possible when it came to spotlighting staff who have the core competencies to excel in leadership positions.
Armed with the ground-up positive feedback from their employees, Aró was able to make a robust succession plan with a particular focus on critical business roles.
PPR gave insight beyond traditional metrics (such as altruism, trust, interpersonal skills, and ability to motivate others), allowing Aró to make the most informed decision possible with regards developing their exceptional employees
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