Parexel's Recognition Program – work where you feel valued!

Interview with Pami Ahluwalia, Head of Global Benefits at Parexel

Pami: "I think it’s more important to receive ongoing validation that you are doing a good job, instead of a one-time benefit. Taking pride in the quality of your work, and hearing someone say, ‘I couldn’t do this without you,’ is just so important. It makes you feel valued."

Colleague-to-Colleague

This section of the recognition program is about saying thank you to your colleagues, acknowledging that they have exhibited an action that supports our values and culture—like teamwork, sense of urgency, integrity, or initiative.

Pami: "A lot of times the unsung heroes aren’t client-facing, they are in the background doing the lion’s share of the work. This is an opportunity to acknowledge those people, who are making it possible to win business. It’s special to be acknowledged and hear, ‘You really helped me with my problem, I was so relaxed and calm, it was wonderful.’ It really makes it worthwhile and reminds you why you work at Parexel.”

Manager Discretionary

This component is for managers to celebrate their team members by giving points and kind words, acknowledging that a team member has made a difference in any part of our value system. The points can be exchanged for many gifts in our Recognition Shop. The program is aligned with our core values:

• We care
• Patients first
• Respect
• Empowerment and Accountability
• Quality

Pami: "These points can be redeemed for gifts, for yourself or for your loved ones, something that you always wanted. The options differ a bit by country, taking into consideration both country-specific regulations and cultural differences. We want to make sure there is something for everyone."

Service Anniversary

The third module is a service anniversary page, where peers can congratulate their colleagues for reaching a significant service milestone. The employee also receives points to get themselves something nice or save for something big.

Pami: "What I think is cool about shopping on the site is that it’s not just about buying things, it’s also about experiences, restaurants, and trips; I like that it has this diversity."

Life Events

In some countries, we have a fourth module to congratulate a colleague on a big life event. Similar to the anniversary module, this is a page for a special occasion, like a wedding or the birth of a child.