Case Study: Pitt County Memorial Hospital achieves a culture of appreciation and increased employee engagement with O.C. Tanner

Pitt County Memorial Hospital - Customer Case Study

Pitt County Memorial Hospital, a nearly 6,500‑employee academic medical center and the only children’s hospital and trauma center serving 29 counties in Eastern North Carolina, faced a people problem: despite 26 recognition programs, staff didn’t feel heard, appreciated, or invested in staying and growing with the organization. Leadership wanted a culture that engaged hearts and minds so employees would feel the hospital was part of them.

The hospital formed a 120‑member Recognition Committee, partnered with O.C. Tanner, and launched the “Appreciation is the best medicine” portal with appreciation stations, manager training, on‑the‑spot recognition checkbooks and a compliments program. The grassroots approach drove measurable engagement—8,612 eCards sent to date—strong manager feedback, everyday peer recognition uptick, and executive leaders now routinely vet ideas with the committee, signaling lasting cultural change.

Pitt County Memorial Hospital

Elizabeth Veliz

Director, Employee Retention and Recognition Services