Employee recognition programs often start with good intentions.
A nomination form is created. Awards are announced. A few emails are sent. Employees are recognized for embodying company values.
But over time, many recognition programs struggle to maintain visibility and engagement.
The challenge isn’t creating recognition. The challenge is making recognition part of the culture.
That’s exactly what Ecovyst set out to accomplish through its SHINE employee recognition program—and where Tier One Solutions partnered with Perfect Communications to help transform a great program into a visible, ongoing employee experience.
The Opportunity
Ecovyst’s SHINE program was built around the company’s core values:
- Stewardship
- High Standards
- Integrity
- Engagement
Together, these values create the SHINE framework that guides how employees work, collaborate, and contribute across the organization. The company formally launched the SHINE program in 2024 as part of its commitment to reinforcing culture and recognizing employees who exemplify those values.
As the recognition program gained momentum, Ecovyst identified an opportunity to create something more visible—something that would continuously reinforce the importance of recognition beyond quarterly announcements and award presentations.
The goal wasn’t simply to display an award.
The goal was to create a focal point that would encourage participation, celebrate employees, and keep the SHINE values visible throughout the year.
From Recognition Program to Recognition Experience
Tier One Solutions partnered with Perfect Communications to design and produce a custom SHINE recognition display that would become a permanent feature within the workplace.
Rather than creating a traditional plaque or wall graphic, the team focused on building an experience that would:
- Increase visibility of employee recognition
- Reinforce SHINE core values
- Encourage employee participation
- Create pride among award recipients
- Support long-term engagement with the program
The result was a custom-designed display featuring SHINE branding, dimensional visual elements, and an interactive experience that made employee recognition more prominent and accessible.
The display serves as a physical reminder of the behaviors and values Ecovyst wants to celebrate while providing employees with an ongoing connection to the recognition program.
The Power of Visibility
One of the most overlooked aspects of employee recognition is visibility.
Recognition programs often succeed when they move beyond a one-time announcement and become part of the everyday environment.
Research consistently shows that recognition programs are most effective when they are visible, aligned with company values, and embedded into workplace culture. Organizations that create consistent opportunities to celebrate achievements often experience stronger employee engagement and cultural alignment.
The SHINE display was designed with that principle in mind.
Rather than creating a recognition moment that comes and goes, the display creates a permanent reminder of the accomplishments, behaviors, and values that drive organizational success.
Measuring Success Beyond Installation
The true success of any employee engagement initiative isn’t measured on launch day.
It’s measured months later.
Nearly one year after installation, Ecovyst reported that the display continues to be a visible, functional, and meaningful part of its employee recognition efforts.
As shared by Ecovyst:
“Since launching our Employee Recognition Program, the impact has continued to grow.”
The organization noted that the custom display not only reflects the company’s SHINE values but also encourages ongoing participation and pride across the team. Nearly a year later, it remains an active component of how Ecovyst celebrates employee achievements.
For Tier One Solutions, that’s the metric that matters most.
Not simply creating something that looks good.
Creating something that continues delivering value long after implementation.
Collaboration Makes the Difference
Projects like this demonstrate the value of bringing together strategy, creativity, and execution.
Tier One Solutions worked alongside Perfect Communications to develop a solution that balanced branding, employee engagement, and long-term usability.
The result was more than a display.
It became a tangible extension of Ecovyst’s culture.
A daily reminder of what the organization stands for.
And a visible celebration of the people who bring those values to life.
The Takeaway
Recognition programs are most powerful when they become part of the employee experience.
When recognition is visible, consistent, and connected to organizational values, it helps reinforce behaviors, strengthen culture, and create a sense of pride across teams.
For Ecovyst, the SHINE program already provided a strong foundation.
By creating a dedicated recognition experience around it, the organization took another step toward making those values visible every day.
At Tier One Solutions, we’re proud to partner with organizations that understand culture isn’t built through words alone.
It’s built through experiences, systems, and moments that remind people their contributions matter.
And sometimes, a well-designed display can do exactly that.
