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2 min read

Rewarding Brilliance

Exceptional employees are more than just a workforce—they are the driving force behind innovation and growth. While it's financially prudent to maintain employee satisfaction, Game Lounge's approach goes deeper, creating an environment that genuinely recognizes and respects individual contributions, resulting in numerous accolades for workplace culture, market diversity, and innovative achievements.

This has resulted in a comprehensive recognition program designed to celebrate employee excellence across all levels and departments. The cornerstone of this approach is ensuring that every team member has an equal opportunity to be seen and appreciated.

The Quarterly Leap Award

Recognition starts from within, in the teams that make up Game Lounge’s work-force. The awards, which run throughout the year, rely on team nominations: this ensures that everyone, no matter what department or country they’re working for, has an equal opportunity to be seen, and for their work to be publicly acknowledged by the business. 

The Quarterly Leap Award recognises employees that have dominated the quarter – this could be anything from stepping up to fulfil a difficult job while someone is ill, or really escalating internal efforts to achieve higher results – and every quarter sees a handful of nominees. 

One of the winners of last year’s Quarterly Leap award was Corrado Nizza, a site manager for Southern Europe, who emerged victorious from thirty nominations. His supervisor, Lorena Barbeitos, praised his approach: “Corrado embodies our core values—innovation, data-driven decision-making, and responsible leadership. He’s always eager to learn and consistently strives for excellence.”

Corrado’s exceptional performance culminated in a significant accolade this year when Game Lounge won Casino Affiliate of the Year by EGR Italy, demonstrating how individual excellence translates into company-wide success.

The Grazzi Initiative: Celebrating Daily Victories

Complementing the quarterly awards, the weekly Grazzi initiative ensures continuous recognition. Employees can nominate colleagues who have made their workday better—whether by taking on extra tasks or providing exceptional support. Each nominee receives public acknowledgment and a personal voucher.

The highlight of 2024’s Grazzi awards was Luana Farrugia, recognized as the “Grazzi of Grazzi’s”. The Grazzi of Grazzi’s looks at those employees who have gone above and beyond what is expected of them, meeting and raising expectations consistently. 

Luana Farrugia receiving the Grazzi of Grazzi’s Award from Director of HR, Henriette Calleja Gafa at the Game Lounge Annual Global Gathering Conference.

Michele Schembri, director of product operations, described her as someone who’s passionate about work: “Luana’s approach is extraordinary. She cares deeply about her products, team, and colleagues, consistently taking on responsibilities and helping others.”

The Deeper Impact of Recognition

By consistently validating employee efforts, Game Lounge fosters a culture of self-worth, connection, and motivation. Employees feel valued, which leads to increased productivity, creativity, and job satisfaction.

This approach is more than a corporate strategy—it’s a commitment to creating an environment where every individual can thrive, grow, and contribute meaningfully towards success.