Discover the Sparck platform features to effortlessly offer meaningful recognition to connect with team members.
KEY FEATURES
Explore each option thoroughly or skip to the features that interest you the most. You have the choice to access a summary, detailed instructions, or a video guide based on your preference.
- Quickly Acknowledge Birthdays and Work Anniversaries ( Dashboard Overview)
- Recognize Individuals Effortlessly with Just One Click (RECOGNIZE! Overview)
- Monitor and Respond to Important Recognition Moments (Take Action Overview)
- Centralize Team Recognition Tracking and Engagement (Team Insights Overview)
- Effortlessly Interact with Organizational Recognition Announcements (Feed Overview)
Overview
Here is a brief visual of the various sections we will explore in the platform to help you save time and enhance the impact of your recognition efforts with your team.
Dashboard
Upon logging into Sparck, you will be taken to your Dashboard where you can quickly view current and upcoming birthdays and work anniversaries, ensuring you never miss those significant moments.
Time Saving Tip: Click directly on the individual from the dashboard to give them real-time recognition in seconds.
Notification Settings
Notifications will be sent to you in real-time based on the preferences set by your Sparck Administrator for your account. Here are the various ways you will be informed:
- In-app notifications (standard)
- MS Teams or Slack integration
- SMS
You can change your notifications settings by going to your profile (located on the lefthand menu bar. Once you are in your profile, click Edit and expand the About Me menu.
Stay updated on important upcoming events by clicking on the highlighted link below to see what special birthdays and work anniversaries are coming in the next two weeks.
Video Tutorial
The video tutorial includes a brief demonstration without any audio.
Recognize!
From the left-hand side menu bar, simply click on the "Recognize!" option once you log in. This allows you to provide meaningful recognition in a matter of seconds.
- Click on the "Recognize!" button to start the recognition process.
- Select the individual you wish to acknowledge and specify the reason for recognizing them.
Tip One: You have the option to choose multiple individuals for recognition (if rewards are not involved) or access advanced settings to select a specific group of team members within the organization.
Tip Two: Our system will provide you with insights into the recognition preferences of that specific individual.
- Enter a personalized message
(Tip: If you're looking for inspiration, click on "Need Some Ideas?" to select and customize a message. Our system will notify you if you've used it before, allowing you to add a personal touch.)
- Include a giphy, upload a video or picture, or select from our library of cards to enhance the recognition and make it even more special.
- Include a reward (if applicable) and tailor the gifting experience to make it even more special.
To delve deeper into the reward experience, CLICK HERE for more information.
Please Note: If your team member prefers to keep their recognition private, the system will automatically mark the box at the bottom of the recognition screen as private. You also have the option to manually select private recognition, or it will be posted on the main recognition feed if it's activated.
Video Tutorial
The video tutorial includes a brief demonstration without any audio.
Take Action
Sparck's biggest advantage is personalization, as we gather recognition preferences from each person to understand how they would feel most appreciated in the workplace!
This feature allows you to stay connected with significant moments for your team members when acknowledgement from you would mean the most. We provide you with detailed information on their recognition, and what type of recognition would be most meaningful from you (private, public, etc..), empowering you to take swift and effective action from this interface to express gratitude for their achievements.
Take Action Overview
When you select the "Take Action" option, you will be guided to the screen highlighted below. We will guide you through the steps to efficiently and promptly take meaningful action.
Beginning with the options on the left-hand side of the menu bar, which highlighted in red below, we will explain each section in detail:
- Who Was Recognized: Provides details on individuals who have received recognition and would find it most meaningful to receive acknowledgment from you.
- By Whom: Provides information on the person who provided recognition to each individual.
- Recognition Event: The type of recognition received, such as for a birthday, work anniversary, or other recognition program within your organization.
- Details: Displays information about the recognition message, but only if it was shared publicly. If the recognition was kept private, these details will not be visible to you.
- Reward: Indicates whether a reward was provided and specifies the nature of the reward.
- Recognize Them This Way: Highlights the preferred method for receiving recognition from you that would be most meaningful.
Now, take advantage of the opportunity to promptly take action using your Action options.
Please take note: There is a Status dropdown at the top right of this screen that allows you to filter by Open, Completed, and Deleted recognitions. This feature helps you stay updated on the most current opportunities available.
We will explore each option to help you easily take action according to their recognition preferences.
- Sparck Logo: By clicking on the Sparck Logo, you can easily access the Recognize! Screen to send a personalized message, either publicly or privately, to show your appreciation. (In the example above, you can see a personal note would mean the most - this would be perfect!)
- Calendar Icon: This functionality enables you to schedule a reminder in your calendar (iCalendar File) containing the recognition details to ensure you don't miss any important moments. This is particularly helpful for those who wish to receive shout-outs during staff meetings or recognize individuals during one-on-one meetings without forgetting.
- Comment Icon: By clicking this icon, you can navigate directly to the recognition post on the newsfeed, allowing you to "like" and comment on that specific recognition for this individual. However, if the recognition was sent privately, this feature won't be enabled.
- Green Checkmark Icon: Once you have finished the recognition, you can click on the green check mark to indicate that it has been completed.
- Red X Icon: You have the option to dismiss any recognitions that are presented to you on the action screen.
Video Tutorial
Team Insights
This section contains valuable insights and gems that will help you focus on the right recognition insights and make an immediate impact. We will delve into the recognition dashboard located at the bottom of the page, highlighted in red below.
Recognition Activity Dashboard
This dashboard offers two distinct perspectives on recognition activity, allowing you to focus on the most crucial areas for action. Let's dive into each section, starting with the initial view titled "My Recognition Activity" above. Here, you can track your direct recognition interactions with each team member.
If you see team members highlighted in red, it's a signal for you to take prompt action. Your Sparck Administrator has set a goal for you to recognize team members every 7, 15, or 30 days. If you have missed this timeframe, the red highlight indicates that the employee may be at risk of being overlooked. This could be a valuable team member who deserves recognition or someone who might benefit from additional support to improve their performance and be acknowledged accordingly.
Starting from the left side of the menu bar, let's take a look at the Dashboard overview:
- Picture: Clicking on the picture of each team member will direct you to their profile page. Here, you can add personal and professional notes (if enabled) that are only visible to you. This feature allows you to uncover their recognition activity, appreciation style, and more. It serves as a convenient way to jot down notes from conversations and one-on-one meetings for future reference.
- Name: This section will display the names of each team member who reports directly to you.
- Recognitions Sent & Rewards Sent: This section displays the overall count of recognitions and rewards (if enabled) that you have sent to each team member.
- Last Recognition Sent: This timestamp indicates the last time you recognized that individual.
- Action: Initiate recognition immediately by clicking on this option to navigate to the Recognize Screen and acknowledge your team members.
My Team's Recognition Activity
To switch your dashboard view, simply click on the menu option at the top. This will allow you to see your Team's Recognition Activity, which includes all recognition interactions with your direct reports. Contrasting with the previous view that focused on your personal recognition activity, this view provides a broader perspective on recognition within your team.
Manager's Insight: Take note of team members who are frequently recognized in the Recognitions Received column. This serves as a valuable indicator to identify individuals who are excelling and deserve special recognition from you.
Starting from the left side of the menu bar, let's take a look at the Dashboard overview:
- Picture: Clicking on the picture of each team member will direct you to their profile page. Here, you can add personal and professional notes (if enabled) that are only visible to you. This feature allows you to uncover their recognition activity, appreciation style, and more. It serves as a convenient way to jot down notes from conversations and one-on-one meetings for future reference.
- Name: This section will display the names of each team member who reports directly to you.
- Recognitions Sent: Here, you can track how frequently your team members are acknowledging and appreciating their colleagues within the organization, contributing to the development of a culture that values recognition.
- Recognitions Received: This data reflects how frequently your team members have been acknowledged within the selected timeframe on the Team Insights page. It serves as a valuable tool to identify individuals who are making a positive impact. Fuel their momentum with more recognition!
- Recognition Readiness: This percentage indicates the extent to which each team member has completed their personal profile in Sparck. If the percentage is low, it is crucial to gather additional information about each team member, encourage them to enhance their profile, and include your own personalized notes. This process will provide valuable insights into what motivates and inspires each team member.
PLEASE NOTE: By clicking on your team member's picture, you will be directed to their profile where you can view their personal and professional information (if enabled) as well as their recognition activity and appreciation style.
Video Tutorial
Feed
Enabling the organizational feed provides a social platform for recognition to occur throughout the entire team. This includes interactions such as peer-to-peer, peer-to-manager, manager-to-peer, and more, all based on the recognition events established by the Sparck Administrator.
There are two ways that you can easily and quickly spark some appreciation in a fun way:
- Engage with Existing Posts by liking and commenting to add a fun touch. Consider including emojis, gifs, or images to enhance your comments and make the interaction more enjoyable.
- Initiate a new recognition directly from this screen. Choose the recipient, the occasion, and add a personalized message along with emojis, gifs, or other fun elements. You can keep it private or share it publicly for others to join in the celebration.
Screenshot Overview
Engage with a recognition post on the organizational feed.
Initiate a new recognition directly from this screen
Video Tutorial
KEY FEATURES
If you want to review any of the features mentioned above again, simply access the summary, detailed instructions, or video guide below for easy reference.
- Quickly Acknowledge Birthdays and Work Anniversaries ( Dashboard Overview)
- Recognize Individuals Effortlessly with Just One Click (RECOGNIZE! Overview)
- Monitor and Respond to Important Recognition Moments (Take Action Overview)
- Centralize Team Recognition Tracking and Engagement (Team Insights Overview)
- Effortlessly Interact with Organizational Recognition Announcements (Feed Overview)
Common Questions