HR.com Forms State of Rewards and Recognition Advisory Board to Advance Employee Engagement Strategies

HR.com, a leading resource hub for HR professionals, has announced the creation of a new State of Rewards and Recognition Advisory Board aimed at driving advancements in employee engagement practices. This initiative focuses on developing improved rewards and recognition tools, services, and processes to help organizational leaders enhance talent management strategies for the coming years. The advisory board brings together seven distinguished industry thought leaders who will collaborate with HR.com's HR Research Institute to conduct primary research and generate actionable insights for the HR community.

The newly formed board includes Nebel Crowhurst, Chief People Officer and Chief Appreciation Officer at Reward Gateway; Madeline Des Jardins, Global Director of Internal Communications and Employee Engagement at WalkMe; and Rachel Kohn, VP of People at Sendoso. Other members are Andrew Lane from George Mason University, Heather Stickle from Pela Case & Lomi, Dr. Paul White from Appreciation at Work, and Mike Wood, founder of MikeWood.io. Their collective expertise spans various aspects of employee engagement and recognition programs, positioning them to address the evolving needs of modern workplaces.

Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that rewards and recognition are fundamental to building engaged and motivated workforces. The advisory board's work will ensure HR practitioners have access to the latest research, tools, and thought leadership to drive meaningful organizational change. This effort builds upon HR.com's previous research in the field, including the State of Rewards and Recognition Programs and Tools 2024 report, demonstrating the organization's ongoing commitment to advancing HR practices.

The research findings from this collaboration will be published in a comprehensive report offering detailed insights and recommendations for HR professionals. Additionally, a condensed two-page infographic will provide a quick reference guide highlighting key points. To further disseminate this knowledge, HR.com will host a virtual event on April 10, 2025, featuring informative sessions led by subject matter experts in rewards and recognition. This multi-faceted approach ensures that valuable insights reach HR professionals through various accessible formats.

This initiative represents a significant advancement in addressing contemporary workplace challenges, particularly as organizations continue to struggle with employee engagement and retention in a competitive labor market. The insights generated by this expert group could prove invaluable in helping companies adapt their rewards and recognition strategies to meet shifting employee expectations and global workplace changes. As workplaces evolve, the advisory board's work may play a crucial role in enabling organizations to develop more effective approaches to attracting, retaining, and motivating top talent through strategic recognition programs.