In today’s work culture, recognition isn’t bound by office walls. Whether your team works from a boardroom or a bedroom, celebrating their wins matters. But in this hybrid environment, one question often comes up: should you go with virtual awards, physical trophies, or both?
Let’s explore what each format brings to the table, and why a blended approach might just be the most meaningful.
Recognition Has Changed, But Its Impact Hasn’t
For years, recognition looked like handshakes at town halls and plaques on office walls. But as remote and hybrid work became the norm, companies had to rethink how appreciation is delivered.
What didn’t change? The emotional value.
Whether it’s a resin trophy or a digital badge, what matters most is what it represents: achievement, appreciation, and a sense of belonging.
Virtual vs Physical Awards
1. Virtual Awards: Convenient, Quick & Scalable
Virtual awards are often the go-to choice for remote-first teams. They’re:
- Fast to deliver: No courier delays or production lead times.
- Budget-friendly: Especially for large, frequent recognition.
- Easy to personalise: Add names, achievements, and even custom artwork.
- Good for gamification: Think points, badges, leaderboards.
Digital rewards also live in the same spaces where remote teams operate—Slack, email, dashboards. They’re instant and visible.
But they have limitations. Virtual awards can feel fleeting. There’s nothing to hold, nothing to showcase. And for some employees, that tangibility matters.
2. Physical Awards: Tangible, Lasting & Emotionally Rich
There’s something timeless about receiving a beautifully crafted trophy, plaque or medal. A physical award:
- Marks a milestone that feels permanent.
- Feels more personal, especially when engraved.
- Serves as a visual reminder of appreciation.
- Elevates ceremonies (even virtual ones).
Here’s a quick side by side comparison.
| Virtual Awards | Physical Awards |
| Delivered instantly across distances | Something the recipient can hold and keep |
| Budget‑friendly when recognising often | Engraved material that adds personal touch |
| Works well for remote / hybrid teams | Visible display on desk or wall provides pride |
| Great for frequent, small wins | Marks milestones that feel permanent |
| Easily shared via Slack, email, dashboards | Elevates key moments with high presence & ceremony |
People frame certificates, place trophies on desks, or proudly show them to family. It turns recognition into legacy.
And with Talisman Awards, you can buy and ship these physical trophies across the country or globe, even if your award ceremony is happening on Zoom.
So which one should you choose?
In truth, it doesn’t have to be either-or. The most memorable recognition programmes blend virtual and physical formats.
For example:
- During a live virtual ceremony, you announce winners with a digital badge or certificate.
- A few days later, a sleek acrylic plaque or metal trophy arrives at their doorstep.
- The employee shares a photo on LinkedIn or Slack, tagging their team.
Now, you’ve celebrated them twice—once publicly and once personally. That’s a powerful combination.
Don’t Let Distance Dilute Meaning
Whether your team is sitting across the table or across time zones, they deserve to feel seen. Recognition is never about the format alone—it’s about making someone feel valued.
A digital award may light up their inbox. A physical trophy may brighten their bookshelf. Together, they remind your people that what they do matters.
Why Talisman Awards Makes Recognition Easy
At Talisman Awards, we craft more than just plaques and trophies. We help you design recognition that suits your culture, whether you’re fully remote, fully in-office, or somewhere in between.
Every piece is made to honour achievement with elegance and care. Here are a few you can consider.
Crystal Crest Excellence Award
This award features a shell-like shape in crystal with frosted and clear finishes and a bold blue centre. Mounted on a glossy black base, it gives a modern and inclusive feel — great for recognising excellence, talent, and diversity.
Human Figure Metal Trophy
This striking metal trophy features a golden figure lifting a detailed globe, symbolising global impact and leadership.
Mounted on a rich wooden base, the upward reach evokes ambition, progress, and the strength of collective achievement.
It’s an inspiring choice for recognizing leadership, milestone accomplishments, or contributions that make a wide-reaching impact.
Pinnacle Precision Wooden Award
Crafted from natural wood with a sharp, clear acrylic edge, this award perfectly balances warmth with modern sophistication.
Its bold, asymmetrical shape captures movement and direction, reflecting growth and determination.
It’s an excellent choice for honoring high performance, precision, or values that elevate your team’s culture.
Infinity Excellence Resin Trophy
Sculpted in premium resin with metallic accents, this trophy brings depth and artistry together in one striking form.
Its looping, continuous design symbolizes creativity, resilience, and limitless potential.
A perfect piece for celebrating innovation, excellence, or standout contributions that redefine success.
Blue Apex Corporate Recognition Trophy
This sleek two‑tone trophy features a bold blue acrylic front paired with a matte black base for a modern look. With gold‑foil text detailing, it stands out for corporate recognition, finance awards, or employee‑of‑the‑month honours.
Conclusion
Recognition may look different today. But when it’s done right, its impact can still be the same.
For today’s virtual approach, what makes recognition feel real is how you deliver it – digital badges work well for quick wins, but sending a thoughtfully designed trophy, medal or wooden plaque creates a lasting reminder of the moment. Blending both virtual and physical recognition lets you celebrate frequently and meaningfully.
At Talisman Awards, we believe every achievement deserves both a visible honor and an emotional connection.
