The first time I truly felt the power of celebrating excellence wasn’t at a grand award ceremony but in a quiet, unassuming moment.

A frontline employee at Pluxee had just turned a frustrated customer into a loyal one with a creative solution that no one had thought of before. Instead of a routine “well done,” the manager paused, shared the story with the team, and made sure everyone saw the impact of that effort.

Watching the employee’s face light up, not just with pride but with newfound confidence, was a defining moment for me. It reminded me of something I’ve always believed: Excellence is not about perfection; it’s about mindset, effort, and ownership behind every action.

A Personal Journey Rooted in Excellence

My journey in HR has been deeply shaped by this belief. Back in 2016, when I had just started my career in Talent Acquisition, I was the first in the team to make 73 offers in a single month, a milestone that caught the attention of ADP’s leadership. The celebration that followed wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about the impact. The recognition I received wasn’t fleeting, six years later, people still recalled that achievement.

That experience showed me that excellence isn’t just about hitting targets; it’s about creating something memorable, something that leaves a lasting mark. From that moment on, I knew that no matter what I did in my career, I had to push myself to excel, not just for recognition, but because striving for excellence became my way of working. Too often, tasks are completed just for the sake of checking a box, but true impact comes when we go beyond mere execution. This is why, in my own work, I approach even the smallest details with intention. Whether designing communication frameworks or engagement strategies, I don’t want them to feel like just another document; instead, I want them to engage, inspire, and spark action.

Excellence as a Collective Mindset

Excellence isn’t an individual pursuit, it thrives in the right environment. Organizations must recognize that every employee, regardless of their role, plays a vital part in shaping the larger vision. At Pluxee, I take pride in being part of a culture that truly embodies this belief. Here, excellence isn’t just about meeting expectations; it’s about psychological ownership, where employees feel deeply connected to their work, taking responsibility not just for tasks but for outcomes. Instead of merely following instructions, they are encouraged to take charge of their learning journeys, shifting from supervision to self-leadership, and turning challenges into opportunities for innovation.

Cultivating a Culture of Continuous Improvement

At Pluxee, we also believe in embracing incremental improvements rather than seeking instant transformation. We create a space where employees can test ideas, learn from failures, and refine their approaches without fear. The journey is valued just as much as the outcome, ensuring that people remain engaged, motivated, and committed to continuous growth. The youngest employee and the most experienced employee share a bond of learning and experience.

We invest in our people through:

• Personalized learning retreats
• Mentorship programs with senior leaders
• Sabbaticals for personal growth

These initiatives reinforce the idea that excellence is not a destination but a lifelong pursuit.

We have also introduced storytelling as a means of recognition, sharing personal success stories of employees who solved challenges, created impact, or embodied company values. These stories build a deeper connection and inspire others to push boundaries.

One of our most impactful initiatives is “Excellence Huddles” informal yet powerful gatherings where teams reflect on their wins, share learnings, and recognize each other’s contributions.

Aligning Recognition with Business Objectives

It’s not just about saying “good job.” The best praise ties into what the company values most. Recognition should align with organizational values and goals, reinforcing behaviours that contribute to long-term success.

A well-structured recognition program includes: 

• Peer-to-peer recognition to build camaraderie
• Manager-driven appreciation to reinforce impactful behaviours
• Formal awards to highlight significant contributions

Empowering Managers to Recognize Excellence

Managers play a crucial role in fostering a culture of excellence. Their praise can significantly impact motivation and performance. Providing them with tools, such as thank-you note templates and structured feedback mechanisms, ensures they recognize contributions effectively.

Leveraging Data to Measure Impact

Tracking key metrics such as engagement scores, retention rates, and performance improvements helps refine recognition strategies. Data-driven insights allow organizations to adjust and enhance their approach to celebrating excellence.

Promoting a Culture of Continuous Feedback

Regular feedback mechanisms, including 360-degree reviews, pulse surveys, and one-on-one meetings, ensure employees feel valued and supported. Encouraging managers to conduct “stay interviews” helps understand what keeps employees engaged.

Celebrating Milestones and Achievements

Recognition should extend beyond performance metrics to include personal and professional milestones. Whether through team celebrations, outings, or virtual events, acknowledging contributions fosters a sense of belonging and motivation.

The Role of HR in Nurturing a Culture of Excellence

As HR professionals, we are not just administrators of policies we are the custodians of culture and the catalysts for change. Think of a sports team where each player has exceptional talent but no shared strategy or direction. Without coordination, even the best players struggle, and victories remain out of reach. The same holds true in organizations, when people operate in silos without a shared commitment to excellence, potential is wasted, and growth stalls.

This is why HR leaders must go beyond process management; we must shape environments where clarity, purpose, and motivation drive every action. By fostering a culture where employees take ownership of their roles, where feedback fuels growth, and where recognition is intentional, we create workplaces that don’t just function they thrive.

Organizations that make excellence a habit don’t just see short-term success; they cultivate a legacy that endures through every business transformation. A culture of excellence ensures that teams remain agile, resilient, and inspired to push boundaries, regardless of leadership changes or external challenges.

I champion excellence not because it’s a metric to be met, but because it is the force that elevates organizations from good to great. It empowers people to think beyond tasks and embrace impact. It fosters innovation, trust, and a deep sense of belonging. And in the end, excellence is not just about what we achieve it’s about the lasting imprint we leave on people, teams, and the organization.

I excel because I work for my organization to excel !