NAPA Anesthesia Recognized for Exceptional Employee Recognition Program
In a significant achievement for North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA), the organization has been awarded the prestigious
2025 Best Practice Standards® Award by Recognition Professionals International (RPI). This commendation highlights NAPA's innovative employee recognition program,
NAPApplause, which is designed to cultivate a workplace culture where team members feel valued and engaged with the organization's mission.
Commitment to Employee Recognition
NAPA stands out as the largest single-specialty anesthesia services provider in the United States, and its commitment to recognizing the contributions of employees is a core part of its philosophy. The introduction of NAPApplause has contributed significantly to fostering an environment of appreciation and encouragement among staff. Ian Kearney, NAPA's Vice President of People & Organization, stated, "We believe a comprehensive recognition approach that integrates formal and informal appreciation is essential to our success."
The program encompasses various forms of recognition, including peer-to-peer feedback, milestone acknowledgments, performance awards, and health-related incentives. Jill Duca, Senior Manager of Organizational Effectiveness at NAPA, emphasizes the importance of visibility and appreciation in a work setting, noting, "When people feel seen and appreciated, they are more motivated to bring their best every day."
Highlights of NAPApplause
To date, the NAPApplause program has seen over
250 formal award nominations from NAPA employees. Following the recent launch of a peer feedback feature in early 2025,
nearly 100 appreciation messages were exchanged among colleagues shortly thereafter, showcasing the effectiveness of the recognition program in enhancing interpersonal connections within the workforce.
The
RPI Best Practice Standards® Awards commend organizations that embed recognition into their culture, promoting greater employee engagement and driving business performance. NAPA joins other notable recipients, such as American Airlines and General Dynamics Information Technology, in this recognition journey, affirming its standing as a leader in employee appreciation.
A Clinician-Led Approach
NAPA is pivotal in redefining healthcare by offering exemplary anesthesia services across approximately
400 healthcare facilities in
23 states and attending to over
2 million patients annually. The organization is clinician-led, ensuring a focus on employee well-being and engagement while striving for operational excellence in patient care.
More information about NAPApplause and NAPA’s exceptional services can be found at
NAPAanesthesia.com.
About Recognition Professionals International (RPI)
Recognition Professionals International is dedicated to fostering recognition-led workplace improvements through various member-led initiatives. As a Strategic Industry Group within the Incentive Marketing Association, RPI promotes innovations in workforce recognition and serves as a hub for education in this essential area. RPI members are experts in employee recognition, providing companies with tools, platforms, and services designed to enhance organizational culture and engagement.
In conclusion, NAPA’s excellence in recognizing employee contributions through NAPApplause not only enhances its internal culture but positions the organization as a model for others aiming to instill a culture of appreciation. Continued dedication to these principles will undoubtedly pave the way for sustained success in providing quality anesthesia services across the country.