Making Every Employee Feel Seen: How C.A. Short Helped Adams County Drive Engagement and a Culture of Appreciation

Adams County, a local government in the Denver metro area that serves more than 540,000 residents, was no exception to the challenge of employee recognition that many local governments experience. Its efforts lacked the frequency and impact needed to truly connect with a workforce of thousands. In fact, in a 2016 survey, 66 percent of Adams County employees reported feeling under-recognized. Many drew a clear connection between increased recognition and higher engagement. 

The message was clear: A new approach to recognition was needed. From there, Adams County knew it had to find a partner who could help evolve its culture and make every employee feel seen and valued.

The Challenge: Infrequent, Disorganized Recognition 

Before partnering with C.A. Short, Adams County was facing several key hurdles:

• Recognition was largely tied to annual events or specific milestones, which failed to acknowledge the daily contributions of employees.
• Existing programs didn't give managers the flexibility to provide timely, meaningful recognition when it was most impactful. This created a disconnect between managers and their teams.
• The 2016 survey was a wake-up call, indicating a large majority of employees desired more recognition. The data showed that this sentiment directly impacted engagement.
• The county’s leaders recognized that a piecemeal approach wouldn’t be enough. A single, integrated platform that could manage everything from years-of-service awards to everyday appreciation was needed.

The Solution: A Partnership Built on Personalization 

After an extensive process, Adams County chose C.A. Short not only for the technology but also because C.A. Short was the only provider that truly listened to the county’s unique needs. C.A. Short offered a solution that was comprehensive, cost-effective, and deeply personal.

C.A. Short worked as an extension of the Adams County team, collaborating to build a platform that felt like it was designed just for the county. The company created customized solutions for various departments and elected offices. On top of that, C.A. Short was able to keep (and improve) Adams County's existing recognition programs. 

The result was a comprehensive, custom-built platform that included:

• A shift to points-based awards: Years-of-service awards were transitioned from traditional checks to a points-based system. Employees now receive points on the platform, which they can redeem for thousands of items in the marketplace, offering more choices and greater personalization.
• Introduction of M2P programs: The platform introduced a manager-to-peer (M2P) points program, empowering managers to provide timely recognition for a job well done. New employees also receive points upon starting and at various milestones throughout their journey.
• Wellness program integration: The county’s wellness program was integrated into the C.A. Short platform. Employees now earn up to 20,000 points annually for completing monthly wellness challenges, directly connecting health and well-being with tangible rewards.
• Customization for every occasion: In addition to the digital platform, C.A. Short provided a personal touch through custom plaques and instant award cards for key milestones. The platform’s flexibility also allowed for the creation of special campaigns for specific initiatives or holidays.
• A personalized redemption marketplace: The marketplace offers a wide variety of redemption options, from branded swag and gift cards to electronics, concert tickets, and vacations. Points never expire; this allows employees to save up for larger, more meaningful items.

Results and Impact: A Culture of Appreciation

The partnership with C.A. Short led to immediate and measurable results. Adams County’s recognition culture went from one of infrequent recognition to one of continuous appreciation.

Utilization and Engagement

• Upon implementation, the platform saw an immediate 60 percent utilization rate, which is well above the typical 35 percent for similar rollouts. 
• Utilization has increased steadily year over year, reaching 100 percent among department heads.
• The new peer-to-peer program has further increased engagement across the board by encouraging peers to recognize each other’s work.

Personalized Support 

The success wasn’t accidental. C.A. Short’s team provided on-the-ground support for the grand opening and offered hands-on training and guidance for the first six months. This level of personalized support ensured a smooth, successful rollout and a high adoption rate from day one.

Looking to the Future: A Lasting Partnership

Adams County's leaders are confident that the partnership with C.A. Short will continue to evolve. They’re already exploring new customizations, such as "Short Shoutouts," a feedback system for the health department where patients can recognize Adams County employees directly. This helps deepen the connection between the community and the county’s dedicated public servants.

When asked what they would tell others considering C.A. Short, the county’s leaders didn’t hesitate: “Do it!” They emphasize the incredible partnership and a team that felt like family. For them, C.A. Short wasn't just a vendor; it was a trusted partner who truly understood their needs and provided a personal, tailored approach.

If you’re ready to rethink and improve your organization’s culture to create an environment where every employee feels seen, valued, and safe, take the time to connect with us, or see the platform for yourself by booking a demo. Either way, we’re looking forward to seeing how we can build a lasting partnership—together.