New awards aim to recognise staff making a lasting impact on EY
Ernst & Young (EY) is making a $100-million investment to reward EY US professionals who develop future-focused skills amid AI disruption.
In its announcement, EY said the rewards programme aims to recognise EY US professionals who will harness advanced technologies to turn disruption into opportunity.
It will also recognise those who will advance the firm's culture, drive innovation, and deliver exceptional client service.
"The pace and complexity of change in our industry require confident leadership," said Dante D'Egidio, EY Americas CEO and US managing partner, in a statement.
"This significant investment reinforces our commitment to building the workforce of the future by recognising the skills and behaviours needed to lead our profession and serve our clients with excellence."
The programme will consist of three award categories, which include:
- Everyday leadership: Recognises actions that contribute to learning, experimentation, collaboration and leadership in the moment
- Transformation that drives measurable results: Rewards individuals whose contributions drive meaningful change through innovation, disruption, technology or growth
- Game-changing impact for the enterprise: Honours individuals or teams whose actions make a long-lasting, material impact on the firm
According to EY, all ranks of EY US professionals will also be able to recognise colleagues and acknowledge contributions as they happen.
Amplifying recognition programmes
The multi-million investment from EY US comes in the wake of growing calls on organisations to amplify their rewards and recognition programs to boost organisational outcomes.
Findings from Workhuman late last year underscored the need to attach tangible rewards to recognition programmes to amplify the message of appreciation in the workforce.
"In a hybrid, fast-moving world where connection is harder to see, tangible rewards create visible, lasting proof of belonging – and measurable impact on performance," the report read.
"[While] recognition shapes behaviour and sentiment; well-designed, memorable, tangible rewards have the power to turn that recognition into lasting stories, high belonging, strong engagement, and a recognition programme people love."
Ginnie Carlier, EY Americas chief talent and culture officer, said how they reward employees defines what they value as a firm.
"And what we value are confident professionals who continuously push themselves to learn fast and drive a lasting impact," Carlier said.
"With these awards, we are empowering our EY professionals to bring a curious mindset to their work, to challenge what is possible and to ultimately shape the future of EY US."
The $100-million investment is the latest effort from the Big Four consulting firm to attract and develop talent. It also recently unveiled a new Career Residency programme that provides early career talent with combined hands-on client work, skills development, and coaching to create day one-ready leaders.
