Recognition

UConn Health is committed to acknowledging and appreciating the great people of our organization. In keeping with this commitment, Human Resources offers a cohesive employee recognition program that enables us to acknowledge and recognize employees for their outstanding commitment and contribution to UConn Health.

When our staff and faculty are personally engaged, our organization is stronger, healthier and more productive. We invite you to join UConn Health's efforts in encouraging a culture where great work is noticed and appreciated. Start now. Who have you recognized today?

Our Programs

Recognition is most effective when it happens on a regular basis, by a variety of people in a many ways. To make the recognition authentic, it must be aligned with the organization’s culture. At UConn Health we offer a variety of opportunities for co-workers, peers, and leaders to participate in genuine recognition and encourage customization.

Individuals, leaders, and departments are encouraged to create their spontaneous awards in the form of thank you notes or a small token of appreciation not to exceed a value of $100 per individual per year. Remember, authentic recognition should be immediate, meaningful, supportive, and reinforcing UConn Health's mission.

WOW Appreciation

A UConn Health WOW is a great informal way to show peer-to-peer appreciation in support of UConn Health's values of leadership, innovation, teamwork, excellence, and for going above and beyond and achieving potential. Now, sending a WOW is even more effortless because it is online.

Let a colleague know that you notice and appreciate their hard work — Send an eWOW

Life Event Recognition

Today, more than ever, it is critical to support each other as we drive our UConn Health mission forward. By forging lasting connections with our colleagues, we can reinforce the behaviors and actions that drive our success. Use this powerful tool often to celebrate and support your colleagues who make a difference at UConn Health every day.

Let your colleague know you care — Send eRecognition

PAWS Award

The PAWS award is a formal recognition of faculty, staff, or volunteer who consistently performs above and beyond the expectations of the job, exhibiting being Part of a team, an Awesome attitude, a Wonderful Work Ethic, and Superior Service.

To nominate an individual, complete the PAWS Award Nomination Form.

PAWS TEAM Award

The TEAM award is a formal recognition of a team effort that furthers the mission of UConn Health. During the process, the team demonstrates Togetherness, Effort, positive Attitude, and Motivation. In addition, a specific outcome must have benefited UConn Health's mission, such as but not limited to programs that had a positive impact on education, patient care, or research. Teams may consist of special workgroups, cross-functional workgroups, task forces, special project teams, departments, or committees.

To nominate a team, complete the TEAM Award Nomination Form.

Individual and TEAM PAWS Recipients are recognized at a PAWS award ceremony held twice a year. The 2023 Fall/Winter PAWS Ceremony will be on Tuesday, December 19. Visit the PAWS Awardees page for event details and for the Spring/Summer awardees.

Husky Hero

The Husky Hero designation is a formal award that a faculty, staff or volunteer earn when they are awarded four PAWS. Recipients are recognized at a PAWS ceremony and receive a certificate of recognition, UConn gear, and their personal "Hero PAWS" pin.

Service Milestone Recognition

Proudly, UConn Health has a long-standing tradition of honoring employees' years of service for career commitment and dedication. Each calendar year, faculty and staff are recognized when attaining a 5-year service milestone. Career milestones are based on UConn Health service, which is adjusted for breaks in service but is not pro-rated.

5, 10, 15, and 20 Years of Service honorees are recognized at an annual fall employee celebration. 2023 5-20 Years of Service Honorees.

25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 Year of Service honorees are recognized at an annual fall employee event. 2023 25-50 Years of Service Honorees.

Pumpkin Palooza

Our ever-popular fall pumpkin decorating contest will return this year, so start planning and Be Part of the fun!