Small gestures, big impact: a story of appreciation and engagement
What would happen if every employee truly felt seen and valued? For Proximus, this was no longer a question—it became a goal. In a world where remote work is the norm, Proximus set a powerful example. Together with Arteel, they transformed the celebration of years of service and seniority into real positive milestones.
Nathalie Arteel spoke with Nadija Isljamaj, Work Life Manager at Proximus.
Nadija’s mission is to build long-term connections with employees. This is no easy task in a time when many people work remotely.
"We needed to create an even stronger connection between our employees and the company." – Nadija Isljamaj, Work Life Manager, Proximus
The challenge: from anonymous to personal
In the past, Proximus would deposit a sum into employees’ accounts annually to celebrate years of service. Despite the good intention, this often went unnoticed. It felt impersonal—a missed opportunity to genuinely connect employees with the company and their teams. Nadija knew it had to be done differently:
"How do we create moments that stick, that touch and connect our employees?"
The solution: authentic, personalized appreciation
Proximus found the answer with Arteel. Together, they developed an approach that did more than just reward—it created real connection. The result? Employees now receive a personalized message from their direct manager on their anniversary day. A small gesture, but with huge impact.
"We see how well managers know their team and how much they contribute to the company. Messages like these are priceless."
– Nadija Isljamaj, Work Life Manager, Proximus
The result: connections that last
The impact of this initiative was immediately clear:
- More engaged managers: Leaders had never sent so many personal messages to employees before.
- Lasting impression: What previously went unnoticed has now become meaningful moments in employees’ careers.
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Stronger connection: Employees even shared their experiences with family, further enhancing Proximus’ employer branding.
"The essence is not the financial reward, but the impact of personal recognition. That makes the difference."
– Nadija Isljamaj, Work Life Manager, Proximus
Why this works
Nathalie Arteel emphasizes that genuine appreciation goes beyond words. It is an emotional connection that motivates, inspires, and keeps employees engaged. Proximus’ experience shows that even simple actions, like a personal message, can have a powerful effect on work culture and employee well-being.
This personal approach strengthened the bond between managers and their team members. Managers became actively involved, leading to unique, sincere recognition that went beyond material rewards.
