Building a Culture of Employee Appreciation at Gateway Center of Monterey County

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Building a Culture of Employee Appreciation at Gateway Center of Monterey County

Employee Appreciation Day June 20263 minutesJune 26, 2026

On June 26, Gateway Center launched a new tradition with our first Employee Appreciation Day, bringing employees from across the organization together to celebrate our mission, enjoy food and activities, and most importantly—recognize the people who make our work possible every day.

The celebration marked more than a single day of appreciation. It was the beginning of a broader Employee Recognition & Appreciation Initiative shaped directly by feedback from Gateway Center employees.

Listening to Our Employees

Earlier this year, Gateway Center conducted its 2026 Employee Climate Survey using uSPEQ to better understand the experiences, perspectives, and needs of our workforce. Employees shared that they wanted greater recognition for their contributions, more opportunities to have their voices heard, and stronger connections with organizational leadership. Gateway Center took that feedback seriously.

In March, Executive Director Mike González established an Employee Engagement Committee, bringing together eight employees representing departments across the organization. The committee reviewed survey findings and helped develop practical recommendations for strengthening employee engagement and workplace culture.

From that process, three new initiatives emerged:

Employee Appreciation Events: Three times each year, employees from across Gateway Center will have an opportunity to come together to celebrate our mission and one another through food, activities, recognition, and connection. The first event was held on June 26.

Monthly Employee Engagement Meetings with the Executive Director: Employees expressed a desire for greater connection with organizational leadership and more opportunities to share their perspectives. Monthly engagement meetings provide employees with a direct forum for dialogue, ideas, feedback, and conversations about Gateway Center’s continued growth.

Employee of the Month: Gateway Center is also launching a new monthly recognition program celebrating employees who demonstrate our mission and values through their work. Recognition will include peer-to-peer nominations through Peers for Cheers, along with nominations from managers and other organizational leaders.

Celebrating the People Behind Our Mission

Gateway Center’s ability to provide high-quality services and supports begins with a strong, compassionate, and committed workforce.

“Our employees are the heart of Gateway Center. Employee appreciation is about more than celebrating one afternoon—it’s about building a culture where people feel valued, supported, and connected to our mission. When we invest in our workforce, we strengthen our ability to support the individuals we serve and build an even stronger Gateway Center for the future.” — Mike González, Executive Director

As Gateway Center continues to grow and evolve, listening to our employees and responding to their feedback will remain an important part of strengthening our organization.

Our first Employee Appreciation Day was an opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come—and the Employee Recognition & Appreciation Initiative represents our commitment to continuing that work together.

To every member of the Gateway Center team: Thank you for the compassion, dedication, and commitment you bring to our mission and to the individuals we serve each day.

Community Day Services Team! Sia, Sandy, and Angie!

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Gateway Center

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Monterey County

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