Case Study: Fulham Football Club achieves improved staff motivation and a culture of appreciation with O.C. Tanner

Using Recognition to Stay at the Top of Their Game

Fulham Football Club, founded in 1879 and competing in the English Premier League, faces the constant challenge of delivering a world-class matchday experience for passionate fans — a task that requires finding and motivating the right people across a large, hardworking team. With Premier League status worth an estimated £50 million per season, People Development Director Robert Ordever sought ways to keep staff motivated and maintain a positive environment that supports player performance.

Ordever brought in the O.C. Tanner Learning Group to train 150 managers on timely recognition — praising small milestones and offering immediate "soft thank yous" — to build a culture of appreciation. The program overcame initial cynicism, received strong feedback, aligned managers around common values, and led to more consistent recognition that reinforces desirable behaviors and keeps the whole organization performing at its best.

Fulham Football Club

Robert Ordever

People Development Director