Case Study: BDO achieves a recognition-driven culture and boosts employee engagement with O.C. Tanner

BDO - Customer Case Study

BDO Canada, a professional services firm with more than 95 offices, wanted to build “one firm” culture centered on valued relationships—but employee surveys and focus groups revealed gaps: limited recognition, unclear career paths, poor performance feedback, and lower manager engagement. Leadership made growing their people a strategic priority and sought a scalable way to change behavior rather than just add processes.

BDO partnered with O.C. Tanner to launch the “You Make a Difference” recognition program, backed by partner commitments, interactive training, national communications, recognition ambassadors, eCards and awards, and a cross-country roadshow. Within a year the national office saw a 19% rise in recognition perceptions, manager engagement improved 10% overall, offices using the program reported stronger engagement and performance (one region posted 12% growth), and thousands of eCards and awards reinforced a stronger sense of belonging and retention across the firm.

BDO

Emree Siaroff

Managing Director, Human Capital