CSSBE: How Staff Recognition Shapes a People-Centred Organization

By the Staff Recognition Committee 

Centre de services scolaire de la Beauce-Etchemin (CSSBE)

Upon completion of the PEVR, “the human factor” came to symbolize the significance of fostering supportive relationships with students, their families, and colleagues. In line with this approach, the CSSBE established its Staff Recognition Committee in 2023–2024, serving as a concrete demonstration of the organization’s commitment to putting people at the centre of its work. The committee currently includes staff members from the following administrative services: Educational Services, Human Resources, and the Secretary General, supported by the Director General.

Over the past two years, the Human Resources Department has conducted an employee experience survey for all staff. The initiative aims to better understand CSSBE-specific challenges and to support the Recognition Committee and managers in identifying solutions that enhance staff belonging, engagement, and overall well-being.

Acknowledging and celebrating staff contributions is vital for promoting ongoing excellence and reinforcing the value of every individual within the organization.

Objectives of the Recognition Committee

The CSSBE Recognition Committee pursues its mission through the following objectives:

• Enhance staff satisfaction and engagement: Take concrete actions to recognize and celebrate each individual’s contributions.
  
• Strengthen CSSBE’s appeal as an employer: Foster a work environment where staff feel valued, heard, and motivated.
  
• Promote well-being and motivation at work: Plan activities that promote team cohesion and daily well-being.
  
• Foster a sense of belonging and pride in being part of CSSBE: Showcase collective achievements and significant career milestones.
  

Concrete Actions Throughout the Year

In addition to highlighting various thematic days and weeks, the committee implements several concrete initiatives throughout the year. Examples include:

• Human Factor Postcards: To launch the “human factor” concept, postcards were distributed to all staff, allowing colleagues to send kind messages to one another. This initiative fostered a culture of recognition and human connection and proved so popular that many staff members requested additional cards to continue the practice.
  
• “Laissez-nous vous chanter la pomme” (literally means to single the apple and is used figuratively to describe someone who is a smooth talker or a charmer) Event: To mark the 2024–2025 school year, staff and teaching interns were invited to visit a local apple orchard. This shared experience was designed to be enjoyed with colleagues or family, promoting camaraderie, relaxation, and well-being within the educational community.
  
• “A Small Boost to End the Year” Campaign: In June, small diamond-shaped chocolates (a symbol of CSSBE) were distributed in special packaging to thank all staff for their contributions throughout the school year.
  
• Other Initiatives: Several other events were also organized, such as retiree celebrations, social events for new employees, and the presentation of a “25 Years” commemorative mug by the Director General, delivered directly in the workplaces of the staff members concerned. These symbolic gestures aim to highlight important career milestones and strengthen the sense of belonging within the organization.

Measuring Impact to Guide Improvements

The committee evaluates the impact of its initiatives using several indicators, including participation rates, internal satisfaction survey results, and unsolicited feedback. This data enables ongoing adjustments and confirms the relevance of the actions. Feedback from employees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting that these gestures foster a warmer, more motivating, and person-centred work environment. In addition to supporting staff retention, these initiatives help ensure the smooth integration of new employees.

Challenges

The committee faces several challenges. As with all public organizations, the CSSBE must manage financial resources carefully, necessitating creative and cost-efficient recognition strategies. The diversity of roles and responsibilities within the organization requires varied approaches to ensure every employee feels recognized. Organizing events that bring people together, despite geographic, scheduling, and staffing constraints, is also an ongoing challenge.

Recognition Taking Root

The committee continues its activities with creativity and commitment, regularly proposing new ideas to maintain momentum, even on a small scale. The goal is clear: to consistently and thoughtfully acknowledge staff, taking into account the realities of the workplace.

Additionally, well-being, recognition, and kindness committees have emerged in many schools, services, and centres. Led by administrators or staff members, these initiatives demonstrate that the culture of “the human factor” is becoming deeply rooted in the organization. They reflect a collective movement in which everyone can identify, contributing to a culture of recognition and human connection.

The committee plans to expand its activities and strengthen feedback mechanisms in the coming years, creating a sustainable recognition culture where every employee feels valued and proud to be part of CSSBE.

The CSSBE Recognition Committee is a true engine of acknowledgment and motivation. By valuing each staff member, CSSBE fosters a work environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and inspired to give their best. This approach transforms challenges into opportunities and helps build a strong, supportive educational community.

Fostering Belonging Through Recognition

Committee initiatives positively impact schools, training centres, and administrative services. Local initiatives have emerged, aligned with the same spirit: CSSBE-branded apparel featuring the diamond symbol, as well as sporting, cultural, and community challenges, have been launched to reinforce pride and belonging. These complementary actions demonstrate the mobilizing power of recognition and inspire further initiatives across different settings.

Gradually, the Recognition Committee is helping to foster a positive cultural shift. Through concrete, people-centred actions, it fosters recognition, pride, and a sense of belonging throughout the organization. Although initiated on a small scale, this change is taking root and contributing to a more compassionate, engaging, and meaningful workplace.