Motivation Insiders Podcast: Pam Pelino Discusses Recognition in a Changing Workforce

Pam Pelino, Senior Director at One10, joined the Motivation Insiders podcast hosted by the Incentive & Engagement Solution Providers (IESP), a strategic industry group within the Incentive Marketing Association. Pam’s conversation covered insights on the future of employee recognition, aligning incentive programs with company values, and how to effectively recognize today’s evolving workforce.

Start with Values

Pam emphasized that effective recognition starts with alignment, and that means tying programs to a company’s core values. At One10, employee recognition is deeply connected to company values, making it easier for managers and peers to acknowledge behaviors that truly move the business forward.

“When recognition aligns with values,” Pam shared, “you cut out the noise and shine a spotlight on what really matters.” In fact, she noted that this alignment process often leads to larger cultural conversations, such as refining outdated values that no longer serve the organization.

Understanding a Multi-Generational Workforce

For the first time in history, four generations are actively working side by side. Pam highlighted that nearly 60% of the workforce will be made up of Millennials and Gen Z by the end of 2025. “Each generation is motivated differently, learns differently, and communicates differently,” Pam explained. “Understanding these differences is essential to building programs that resonate.”

She also noted that Gen Z, in particular, values flexibility and expects meaningful interactions with their managers. If those expectations aren’t met, they’re likely to leave. The opportunity, she said, lies in creating intergenerational mentorship and engagement that speaks to the full range of employee needs.

Recognition in the Remote Era

With One10’s workforce operating entirely remotely, Pam spoke candidly about the challenges of keeping people connected and engaged across time zones and screens. “We’ve built proprietary tools that allow recognition to happen quickly and meaningfully,” she said. Peer-to-peer recognition, visible across a shared digital wall, allows employees to celebrate each other in real time, even from afar.

The Power of Personalization

One of the most impactful insights Pam shared was about the power of personalization in recognition. “The best gift is the one you get to choose,” she said. Recognition programs lose their power when they become one-size-fits-all. One10’s platform allows employees to build wish lists and track progress toward meaningful rewards, making the experience both personal and motivating.

Recognition That Works

Pam closed with a reminder that recognition doesn’t need to be extravagant; it just needs to be authentic. “What gets rewarded gets repeated,” she said. Yet, research shows that 1 in 3 U.S. workers hasn’t received praise or recognition in the last three weeks. A sincere thank you can go a long way in building a culture of appreciation.

To hear the full episode, visit the Motivation Insiders podcast here.