Background
Waste Connections of Canada operates with a strong foundation built on five Core Operating Values:
- Safety
- Integrity
- Customer Service
- To Be a Great Place to Work
- To Be the Premier Waste Services Company in North America
These values form the organization’s “decision-making tree,” guiding every choice they make. As a people-first company, Waste Connections conducts annual employee surveys to better understand what matters most to its team. One standout insight: employees deeply value recognition for their contributions.
Challenges
Despite having strong core values and a commitment to employee engagement, the organization faced a challenge in improving employee recognition within its District. The goal was to create a meaningful and visible way to celebrate team members who exemplify the company’s core values—particularly Safety and Being a Great Place to Work—on a regular basis.
Tasks
The objective was to design and implement a recognition program that would:
- Reinforce the importance of safe work practices
- Boost employee morale and pride
- Celebrate team members who go above and beyond
- Provide a physical, and visual representation of recognition at the workplace
Action Taken
To bring this vision to life, Waste Connections developed a quarterly Safety Recognition Program:
- Employees are evaluated every three months on vehicle safety, work practices, and attendance.
- Those who meet the criteria receive a quarterly safety bonus along with a custom trophy.
- Winners are celebrated each quarter, with their trophies displayed prominently on a dedicated recognition shelf.
- Employees who earn the award in all four quarters are further recognized on a “Wall of Champions” through the Top Guns Award—a larger, engraved plaque that honours sustained excellence.
Results
While the program is in its early stages, it has already sparked excitement and engagement across the District. Anticipation is growing as team members look forward to:
- Seeing their trophies displayed publicly
- Celebrating each other’s achievements
- Striving for consistency and safety year-round
The upcoming launch of the Wall of Champions will serve as a powerful visual symbol of commitment to safety and excellence at work.
Key Takeaways
- Recognition is powerful. A simple, consistent program that aligns with company values can significantly boost morale.
- Tangible rewards matter. Physical trophies and visual recognition help solidify the importance of safety and dedication.
- Culture is reinforced through action. By linking recognition with core values like Safety and Workplace Culture, Waste Connections is building a stronger, more connected team.
- Consistency leads to legacy. Quarterly recognition feeds into an annual goal, motivating employees to maintain high standards throughout the year.