Saints HR Team rewarded for saying 'Thank You'

We are very proud of our St Stithians Human Resources team on being nominated and then winning 3rd place for the reward project of the year this past weekend at the South African Reward Association Gala dinner. The other shortlisted nominees that Saints were up against included national corporate companies. What is especially exciting is that this is the first time an award of this nature has been made to a school. This prize was awarded for the “Saints Thank You Scheme” which was launched during 2018 as part of the College People Growth and Talent development strategy.

Head of Human Resources for St Stithians, Kim Urquhart commented, "As teachers are, by and large, intrinsically motivated, we believed it was necessary to enhance and develop our forms of recognition specifically.  This was confirmed via a staff survey whereby 75% of respondents indicated that after monetary compensation they would choose written affirmation in the form of a card, note, letter or email from their line manager or peers as their preferred form of recognition. In probing further, it was discovered that it wasn’t about receiving money, gifts or awards but rather acknowledgement of their contribution to the school and College".  This is how the Saints “Thank You” scheme was created. 

Recognition at Saints is about valuing and celebrating the contributions of our staff who live out the College’s values and Honour Code. It caters for different preferences in the way recognition is given. All staff are encouraged to provide recognition to peers and colleagues appropriately and when warranted. 

Kim commented further, "We believe this scheme will have both a short term and long-term impact on staff morale and organisational culture and will benefit the College and its staff longer term". 

Congratulations to our Human Resources team and thank you also to members of the College Talent Growth Committee and the College Executive for their commitment to the development and implementation of this scheme as a small way that we can recognise our passionate, committed staff and all they do every day.