Employee Recognition Programs

NYCHA’s Department of Employee Engagement introduced the Employee Recognition Program to instill pride, boost morale, motivate employees, and to promote team spirit. NYCHA recognizes and values the strength in our teams and will continue to encourage and support efforts to build a team environment. The program recognizes team members who go above and beyond in the performance of their duties and responsibilities, and who have exhibited best practices by delivering exceptional service to both our residents and their colleagues.  

The Employee Recognition Program is intended for all titles that are union-represented with a focus on the front-line staff. Do you have a teammate who has displayed exemplary performance or has made a significant contribution to your team? Express your gratitude by nominating them for recognition! 

Eligibility Criteria 

Candidates are evaluated on the following criteria: 

1. Demonstrating a culture of service; treating residents and colleagues with dignity and respect. 

2. Empowering, coaching, and boosting morale of colleagues and dedication to team building. 

3. Developing a meaningful partnership with our residents, vendors, elected officials, and public/private/non-profit stakeholders. 

4. Satisfactory completion of probation in the current title. 

5. No disciplinary actions within the past 18 months. 

How Does the Recognition Program Work? 

1. Staff are encouraged to identify and nominate team members who have exhibited exemplary performance. 

2. A nomination form must be submitted to the Department of Employee Engagement (personal information of each nominee is redacted to ensure unbiased evaluation). 

3. Honorees will be highlighted on NYCHA’s various communications platforms (e.g., NYCHA Connect, NYCHA Now, and social media channels). 

How to Nominate

1. A Fillable Nomination form can be downloaded here. If submitting a handwritten form, please print legibly.

2. Each nominator will be expected to answer four questions regarding the employee they are nominating for the honor. 

3. The completed nomination form must be submitted to the Employee Engagement Department via email at employee.engagement@nycha.nyc.gov. 

Employee Recognition Program Frequently Asked Questions

Why is NYCHA launching an Authority-wide employee recognition program?

NYCHA’s Employee Engagement Department is launching an Authority wide Employee Recognition Program to instill pride, boost morale, and motivate team spirit. The goal of this program is to recognize employees and teams that go above and beyond when performing their duties and responsibilities. We want to showcase employees who have exhibited best practices to deliver good customer service to both our residents and their colleagues.

Who is eligible to be nominated for the NYCHA Employee Recognition Program?

All NYCHA full-time employees or teams (units, divisions, departments) are eligible to be nominated. Staff are encouraged to identify and nominate team members who have exhibited good customer service and work performance.

Who can submit a nomination? Can an employee nominate their coworker?

Any NYCHA full-time employee can submit a nomination. Individual staff and teams can be nominated by their colleagues or supervisors, managers, directors, etc.

What criteria will be used to evaluate nominations?

Candidates will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Culture of service (treating our residents and fellow colleagues with dignity and respect);
   
2. Providing good customer service and exhibiting good work performance;
   
3. Empowering colleagues and dedication to team building, coaching, and boosting morale;
   
4. Satisfactory completion of probationary period in current title, or at least one year of service; and
   
5. No disciplinary actions or concerns within 18 months of nomination date.

How does the recognition program work?

A completed nomination form will be required as part of the process. An evaluation committee will review all nominations submitted (personal information for each nomination will be redacted).

When is the nomination period open? When are the awards announced?

The Employee Engagement Department twice a year will hold a nomination period in April and September. Employees will be recognized at events to be hosted in June and December respectively. Honorees will be notified via email and highlighted on NYCHA’s various communications platforms (e.g., NYCHA Connect, social media channels).

Where do I get a nomination form?

A fillable copy of the nomination form can be downloaded from NYCHA Connect on NYCHA’s Intranet homepage. You may also access the nomination form by going to this link. If submitting a handwritten form, please print legibly.

If I need assistance completing the form, who can I speak with?

Please feel free to contact the Employee Engagement Department via email at employee.engagement@nycha.nyc.gov if you have questions regarding the completion of the form.

How do I submit my nomination form?

Completed nomination forms are to be scanned via e-mail to employee.engagement@nycha.nyc.gov.

Service Awards

Background Information 

The Department of Employee Engagement’s new recognition programs commend NYCHA employees for a variety of achievements. The service pins program recognizes staff for their dedication and years of service to the Authority.  

Service Pins 

NYCHA values the contributions, knowledge, and experience of long-term employees. The pins instill a sense of pride, letting staff know that the Authority appreciates their hard work, dedication, and years of service. 

• NYCHA service pins are presented to employees for every five years of service at the Authority.  
• Employees will be presented with a pin by their supervisor on the day of, or shortly after their work anniversary.  
• NYCHA employees who have served for 30-plus years will be featured on NYCHA Connect and NYCHA Now as well as on NYCHA’s social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  
• NYCHA employees who have served for 30-plus years will also receive a certificate signed by the Chair and Chief Operating Officer thanking them for their long-term commitment to public housing residents. 

Eligibility Criteria 

All staff are eligible to receive pins based on their tenure. The Employee Engagement Department will obtain a list of all eligible employees and their work anniversary dates from the Human Resources Department. 

Nominate a NYCHA Changemaker 

Here is another opportunity to recognize NYCHA staff providing quality service to our residents and partners. Nominate yourself or one of your colleagues to become a NYCHA Changemaker. The Changemakers campaign recognizes and showcases employees who are guided by NYCHA’s core values to create meaningful, sustainable change in every aspect of their work. Once selected, staff’s photo along with a quote will be featured on NYCHA Connect, NYCHA Now, NYCHA’s social media channels and NYCHA’s webpage. We are excited to highlight our colleagues’ excellent work performance. 

Download Form to Nominate a NYCHA Changemaker