Recognition improves team performance, morale, and retention—especially when it’s peer-driven and happens often. With Donut Shoutouts, you can build a habit of appreciation right inside Slack.

Here are quick, creative ways to start (or level up) your recognition culture.

🎯 1. Make It a Weekly Ritual

 ➡️ Why it works: Consistency builds trust and stronger habits. Regular prompts make recognition part of how your team operates.

• Pick a day (Friday is a classic)
• Donut posts a Slack prompt automatically (You can set this up with Donut Watercooler!)
• Teammates drop kudos to end the week on a high note

⚡ 2. Give Praise In the Moment

➡️ Why it works: Recognition lands better when it’s timely. Real-time appreciation reinforces great behavior fast.

• Don’t wait for 1:1s—acknowledge wins as they happen
• Celebrate small wins, quick pivots, and quiet impact
• Encourage spontaneous Shoutouts, not just scheduled ones

📣 3. Use a Dedicated #shoutouts Channel

➡️ Why it works: Public praise scales motivation. It reminds everyone what great work involves and that it’s noticed and valued.

• Using one channel spotlights great work and reminds team members that their accomplishments are noticed and valued
• Easy for leaders and teammates to chime in
• Builds team pride asynchronously

🎉 4. Let Reactions Count as Kudos

➡️ Why it works: Recognition is catchy! When others get involved, it reinforces the behavior even more.

• Pick your “Shoutouts” emoji (🎉, 🙌, or a custom one)
• Reactions = bonus points for the recipient
• Turns one thank-you into a team-wide moment of celebration

🧭 5. Tie Shoutouts to Company Values

➡️ Why it works: Recognition shapes culture. Highlighting values in action helps teammates internalize what’s celebrated.

• Add tags like #teamwork or #customerfirst
• Encourage people to connect praise to values
• Over time, you’ll reinforce and grow your culture right in Slack

🎨 6. Personalize the Message

➡️ Why it works: Specific praise is more motivating than vague compliments.

• Go beyond “great job”
• Acknowledge what they did and why it mattered
• Drop in a GIF, meme, or inside joke to keep it human

🪄 7. Customize Your Kudos Theme

➡️ Why it works: Teams engage more when recognition feels fun, not forced.

• Use a custom emoji or rename your “points” (🧁, 🥖, 🌟)
• Makes it feel like your team and not a generic HR program
• Bonus: builds internal language and shared identity

🏅 8. Share Top Shoutouts

➡️ Why it works: Visibility drives momentum. Celebrating givers and receivers shows what you value.

• Post a monthly roundup in Slack
• Highlight top contributors or unsung heroes
• Give credit where it’s due and inspire others to join in

🎁 9. Offer Small Rewards (If You Want)

➡️ Why it works: A little reward goes a long way. Even a $5 coffee card or the chance to pick the next team lunch can boost participation and motivation.

• Let people redeem points for swag, snacks, or perks
• Or skip the rewards and keep it to high-fives and good vibes
• Donut supports both 

🙌 Teams that recognize each other regularly perform better, retain talent longer, and stay more engaged. With Donut Shoutouts, it’s easy to make that happen in Slack: no new tools, no complicated rollout.