With Earth Day coming up this week, I’ve been thinking a lot about the amazing impact that a group of people who share the same values can have in bringing about change. I know that small actions do bring big change when there is a coordinated effort because I’ve seen it.

And it doesn’t take millions of people to do it. Small groups and individuals can have huge impact as well. Take Vancity for example. Our commitment to taking action on climate change has resulted in: reducing our organization’s carbon footprint year over year; the creation of products and services to help our members do the same; and hundreds of thousands of dollars being awarded to community groups that are finding ways to take action on climate change.

But as I said, it’s the seemingly small things that individuals do on a daily basis that brings about change. And sometimes I don’t think we do enough to recognize and appreciate these.

Now, more than ever, it's important for companies to recognize their staff in meaningful ways that make them feel valued and appreciated. As our economy evolves, people are more uncertain about their future, yet they are being asked to contribute more and work harder.

An organization is only as strong as its people, and these are the people that are working longer, coming up with new ideas, making sacrifices on your behalf, and hopefully helping you survive.

How are you showing them that their efforts are appreciated and that you value them as part of your community?