Case Study: Scotiabank achieves 93% employee adoption and boosts global recognition with Achievers

Scotiabank engages global employee population through recognition

Scotiabank, a leading Canadian bank with roughly 23 million customers, $1.2 trillion in assets and ~90,000 employees across 30 countries, needed to replace an antiquated recognition platform that limited visibility, mobility and reporting. The bank sought a centralized, enterprise-wide solution to drive cross-team recognition, better analytics and broader engagement.

Scotiabank implemented Achievers’ Applause 2.0—an integrated, values-linked recognition platform with points-based rewards, manager-focused tools (Manager Digest, budget reminders), campaigns like Pay It Forward (driving a 40% month-over-month jump in active users), Microsoft Teams integration (≈10% of recognitions in month one), DEI Allyship recognition and CSR donation options for Ukraine. The program is now used regularly by 93% of employees, recognitions per employee are up ~60% versus year one, 99% of people leaders are activated and managers average 3 recognitions per month, demonstrating stronger engagement and program stability.

Scotiabank

Ramón Vargas

Director, Global Employee Recognition