The judges praised the initiative’s strong alignment to company values, its reach across remote teams, and its remarkable engagement rates.

The value of feeling valued
Launched in 2017, the High5 platform revolutionised recognition at National Highways by creating a simple, meaningful way for employees to thank each other based on shared values. 

With over 31,000 High5s sent in 2023/24 across 6,350 colleagues, including 21% from remote shift workers, the scheme has truly bridged diverse roles and locations. 

Impressively, 95% of employees now say they understand the company values, while 73% report feeling recognised. It is a 20% increase since the programme’s inception. This has also contributed to a 1% drop in attrition, showcasing the tangible impact of appreciation.

Engagement
A bold platform migration in August 2023 could have disrupted momentum, but instead, it sparked record-breaking participation. A thoughtful communications campaign led to 93% of the workforce re-registering, with 90% actively engaging on the new platform. 

Recognition increased by 11%, and a growing share (28%) was upgraded to a financial reward. By integrating High5 with employee benefits, National Highways saw a 6% increase in benefits engagement. 

With data now featured in executive dashboards, High5 has become embedded as a core performance and culture metric across the business.

Teamwork makes the dream work
As custodians of England’s strategic road network, collaboration is critical to National Highways’ success. High5 has become a key tool to reinforce and reward teamwork, especially in an era of hybrid and remote working. 

In the past year alone, cross-business recognition rose 4%, accounting for 25.5% of all High5s, while team nominations jumped from 8,393 to 11,931. 

Survey data showed a 6% rise in perceived collaboration, with “teamwork” emerging as the most referenced value across more than 27,500 recognitions.

Recognition that drives culture
What sets High5 apart is its deep cultural integration. From branding and communications aligned with company values to active usage by everyone from the CEO to traffic officers, the programme has become part of National Highways’ DNA. 

As one judge remarked, “Great engagement, especially from remote roles… loved the comms, especially how aligned they were to the company’s values, right down to the colours used.”

A worthy winner
National Highways has proven that recognition is more than a gesture, it is a strategic driver of culture, engagement, and retention. 

Some of the judges have hailed the programme as “outstanding” and praised how it met the original brief while evolving to stay fresh and relevant. 

High5’s success reflects not only smart design but a true organisational commitment to valuing people.

All data and outcomes are reflective of National Highways’ 2024 Incentive Awards submission