Admin Dashboard Guide

The Emanate Great admin dashboard is your command center for managing employee recognition programs. This guide covers everything you need to create recognitions, manage users, moderate content, and track engagement.

🏠 Dashboard Overview

Main Sections

Navigation sidebar includes:

🏠 Dashboard Home

Overview of your recognition program
Recent activity and key metrics
Quick access to common tasks
Welcome message and status updates

🎯 Campaigns/Projects

Create and manage recognition presentations
View all active and archived recognitions
Track engagement metrics per recognition
Publish, edit, and schedule content

👥 Employees

Manage employee database
Add new team members
Update photos and information
View participation history

💬 Pending Comments

Review comments before they appear
Approve or reject submissions
Edit inappropriate content
Moderate discussion quality

👤 Users

Manage dashboard access
Invite new administrators
Set permissions and roles
Reset passwords and update accounts

⚙️ Settings

Configure system preferences
Manage authentication options
Set up integrations
Customize display options

🎯 Campaign Management

Creating New Recognitions

Step-by-step process:

Navigate to Campaigns
- Click “Campaigns” or “Projects” in sidebar
- Click “Create New” or “Add Campaign”
Choose Recognition Type
- Employee of the Month: Individual achievement spotlight
- Promotion: Career advancement celebration
- Team Achievement: Group success recognition
- Work Anniversary: Service milestone
- Custom: Flexible recognition type
Fill in Details
- Employee selection: Search and select from employee database
- Photo: Upload high-quality professional photo
- Title/Position: Current job title
- Achievement description: What they’re being recognized for
- Personal message: Congratulatory note from leadership
Choose Template & Styling
- Standard: Clean, professional layout
- Video: Background video with overlay text
- Custom: Branded or themed design
Set Display Options
- Duration: How long to show (1 day to 4 weeks)
- Priority: Display order in rotation
- Comments enabled: Allow participation
- GIFs enabled: Allow animated reactions
Preview and Publish
- Preview: See how it looks on different screen sizes
- Save draft: Work on it later
- Publish: Make it live immediately

Campaign Features

Rich content options:

Multiple photos: Before/after for promotions
Team member lists: For group recognitions
Achievement metrics: Quantifiable results
Custom fields: Organization-specific information
Branding elements: Company logos and colors

Advanced settings:

Scheduling: Publish at specific times
Expiration: Auto-archive after date
Targeting: Show only on certain displays
Moderation: Require comment approval

Managing Active Campaigns

Campaign list view:

Status indicators: Draft, Published, Archived
Engagement metrics: Likes, comments, views
Quick actions: Edit, duplicate, archive
Sort and filter: By date, type, engagement

Bulk operations:

Archive multiple: Clean up old recognitions
Duplicate campaigns: Reuse successful formats
Export data: Download engagement reports
Batch publish: Release multiple at once

👥 Employee Management

Adding Team Members

Individual employee setup:

Go to Employees section
Click “Add Employee” or “New Employee”
Basic Information
- Full name: First and last name
- Email: Work email address
- Employee ID: Optional internal identifier
- Department: Organizational unit
- Location: Office or remote status
Professional Details
- Job title: Current position
- Manager: Reporting relationship
- Start date: When they joined
- Photo: Professional headshot (required for recognitions)
Additional Fields
- Phone: Work contact
- Bio: Short professional summary
- Skills: Key competencies
- Custom fields: Organization-specific data

Bulk Employee Import

For large organizations:

Download template: CSV format with required columns
Fill in employee data: Use spreadsheet software
Validate data: Check for errors and missing fields
Upload file: Import directly to system
Review and confirm: Verify data before final import

Import features:

Duplicate detection: Avoid creating duplicates
Data validation: Check email formats, required fields
Progress tracking: See import status in real-time
Error reporting: Download list of failed imports

Managing Employee Records

Employee profile management:

Edit information: Update titles, departments, photos
View history: See past recognitions and participation
Participation metrics: Comments, likes, nominations made
Status changes: Active, inactive, alumni status

Search and filter:

Name search: Find employees quickly
Department filter: View by organizational unit
Status filter: Active vs. inactive employees
Recognition history: Who has been recognized recently

Employee Analytics

Participation insights:

Most active: Employees who engage most
Recognition recipients: Who gets recognized most
Department comparison: Engagement by team
Time trends: Participation over time

💬 Comment Moderation

Pending Comments Queue

Access moderation:

Go to “Pending Comments” section
View comment queue with preview cards
See comment details: Author, style, content, timestamp

Moderation actions:

Approve: Publish immediately
Reject: Remove permanently
Edit: Modify text before publishing
Flag: Mark for review by other admins

Comment Management

Review process:

Read full comment and context
Check appropriateness for workplace
Verify relevance to recognition
Review attachments (GIFs, etc.)

Bulk moderation:

Approve all: For trusted time periods
Reject all: For spam or inappropriate content
Filter by recognition: Focus on specific campaigns
Search comments: Find specific content

Moderation Settings

Configure policies:

Auto-approval: For trusted users or content
Require review: For new employees or sensitive topics
Keyword filtering: Automatic rejection of inappropriate terms
GIF restrictions: Control animated content

Escalation rules:

Supervisor review: For flagged content
Department approval: For cross-team recognitions
Executive oversight: For high-profile recognitions

Comment Analytics

Moderation insights:

Approval rates: What percentage get approved
Common reasons: Why comments are rejected
User patterns: Who submits most comments
Content trends: Popular styles and themes

👤 User Management

Managing Dashboard Access

User roles and permissions:

Administrator:

Full access to all features
Can manage users and permissions
Access to all campaigns and settings
Can moderate all content

Manager:

Create and manage campaigns
View all employees and comments
Limited user management
Access to reports and analytics

Viewer:

Read-only access to campaigns
View comments and analytics
Cannot create or modify content
Limited employee data access

Inviting New Users

Invitation process:

Go to Users section
Click “Invite User” or “Add User”
Enter email address and select role
Choose permissions based on role
Send invitation

Invitation workflow:

Email sent: User receives invitation link
Account creation: User sets password
Role assignment: Permissions applied automatically
Welcome email: Access instructions sent

User Account Management

Account maintenance:

Password reset: Send reset links
Role changes: Promote or demote users
Account deactivation: Suspend access
Login history: Monitor access patterns

Security features:

Two-factor authentication: Optional additional security
Session management: Force logout if needed
Password policies: Enforce strong passwords
Audit logs: Track all user actions

Bulk User Operations

Managing multiple users:

Bulk invite: Import list of new users
Role updates: Change permissions for groups
Account status: Activate/deactivate multiple accounts
Export user data: Download user information

📊 Analytics & Reporting

Dashboard Metrics

Key performance indicators:

Total recognitions: Campaigns created this period
Active campaigns: Currently published
Employee participation: Comments and likes
Engagement rate: Participation per recognition

Time-based analytics:

Daily activity: Recent engagement trends
Weekly summaries: Participation over time
Monthly reports: Comprehensive program health
Year-over-year: Long-term program growth

Recognition Analytics

Per-campaign metrics:

Views: Estimated display impressions
Likes: Total appreciation received
Comments: Number and quality of feedback
Engagement rate: Likes + comments per view

Content performance:

Template success: Which designs work best
Topic resonance: What types of recognition engage most
Timing effectiveness: When recognitions perform best
Department participation: Which teams engage most

Employee Analytics

Participation tracking:

Most active: Top commentators and likers
Recognition recipients: Who gets celebrated most
Department breakdown: Engagement by team
Individual profiles: Detailed participation history

Recognition equity:

Coverage analysis: Which employees get recognized
Department balance: Fair distribution across teams
Demographic trends: Recognition by role level, tenure
Inclusion metrics: Diversity in recognition recipients

Comment Analytics

Content insights:

Popular styles: Which comment designs are used most
GIF usage: Animated reaction trends
Content themes: Common congratulatory language
Sentiment analysis: Positive feedback patterns

Moderation metrics:

Approval rates: What percentage of comments publish
Rejection reasons: Common issues found
Response times: How quickly comments are moderated
Quality trends: Content appropriateness over time

⚙️ System Settings

General Configuration

Organization settings:

Company name: Displayed on recognitions
Logo and branding: Custom visual elements
Default templates: Preferred recognition styles
Time zone: For scheduling and reporting

Display preferences:

Rotation timing: How long each recognition shows
Default duration: Standard campaign length
Quality settings: Image and video compression
Accessibility: Screen reader support

Authentication Settings

Login configuration:

Password policies: Complexity requirements
Session timeouts: Auto-logout after inactivity
MFA requirements: Two-factor authentication rules
SSO integration: Single sign-on setup

User management:

Auto-invite: Automatic onboarding
Role defaults: Standard permission sets
Approval workflows: Multi-step access granting
Audit logging: Security event tracking

Content Moderation

Comment policies:

Auto-approval: Trusted user settings
Keyword filtering: Automatic content rejection
GIF controls: Animation content restrictions
Spam prevention: Duplicate content detection

Quality controls:

Character limits: Comment length restrictions
Style availability: Which comment designs to offer
Attachment rules: File upload permissions
Language filtering: Inappropriate content detection

Integration Settings

External connections:

Email service: SMTP configuration
File storage: Cloud storage setup
API access: Third-party integrations
Webhook URLs: Automated notifications

Advanced features:

Custom fields: Organization-specific data
Workflow automation: Approval processes
Reporting exports: Data delivery options
Backup settings: Data retention policies

🛠️ Advanced Features

Campaign Scheduling

Time-based publishing:

Schedule ahead: Set future publish dates
Time zones: Multi-location support
Recurring campaigns: Monthly recognition series
Seasonal content: Holiday and event-specific recognitions

Automated workflows:

Draft approval: Multi-step publishing process
Content calendar: Plan recognition schedule
Bulk operations: Manage multiple campaigns
Template reuse: Save and reuse successful formats

Custom Templates

Design customization:

Brand colors: Company color scheme integration
Logo placement: Custom branding elements
Font selection: Typography preferences
Layout options: Custom design arrangements

Content flexibility:

Dynamic fields: Custom data fields
Conditional content: Context-aware displays
Multimedia support: Video and interactive elements
Responsive design: Mobile and desktop optimization

API and Integrations

System connectivity:

REST API: Programmatic access to data
Webhook support: Real-time event notifications
SSO integration: Enterprise authentication
HRIS sync: Employee data integration

Third-party tools:

Slack notifications: Recognition alerts
Email campaigns: Automated announcements
Calendar integration: Recognition scheduling
Analytics platforms: Advanced reporting

🔧 Troubleshooting Dashboard

Common Issues

Can’t access dashboard:

Check internet connection
Clear browser cache and cookies
Try different browser
Verify account status with administrator

Campaign not publishing:

Check all required fields are filled
Verify employee exists in database
Ensure photo meets requirements
Check publishing permissions

Comments not loading:

Refresh pending comments page
Check moderation queue settings
Verify user permissions
Clear browser cache

Analytics not updating:

Allow 24 hours for data processing
Check date range filters
Verify campaign status
Contact support for data issues

Performance Optimization

Speed improvements:

Browser updates: Latest version recommended
Cache clearing: Regular cleanup
Image optimization: Compress large photos
Network stability: Reliable internet connection

Large organization tips:

Bulk operations: Use import/export features
Scheduled maintenance: Off-peak hours for updates
Data archiving: Regular cleanup of old content
User training: Optimize common workflows

Support Resources

Getting help:

In-app help: Click ”?” icons for guidance
User guides: Comprehensive documentation
Video tutorials: Step-by-step walkthroughs
Community forums: Peer support and tips

Contact options:

Support ticket: Detailed issue reporting
Live chat: Real-time assistance
Phone support: Direct technical help
Training sessions: Group learning opportunities

📈 Best Practices for Admins

Content Strategy

Recognition planning:

Regular cadence: Consistent recognition schedule
Diverse coverage: Include all departments and roles
Achievement variety: Mix individual and team recognitions
Inclusive approach: Recognize different types of contributions

Content quality:

High-quality photos: Professional, clear images
Specific achievements: Detailed, measurable accomplishments
Authentic messaging: Genuine leadership voice
Engaging descriptions: Compelling, readable content

User Management

Access control:

Role-based permissions: Appropriate access levels
Regular audits: Review user permissions
Onboarding process: Clear new user setup
Offboarding: Prompt account deactivation

Training and support:

User documentation: Clear guides and tutorials
Regular training: Keep skills current
Feedback collection: Improve based on user input
Help resources: Easy access to support

Engagement Optimization

Participation encouragement:

Clear guidelines: Comment and participation expectations
Recognition highlights: Showcase successful examples
Feedback loops: Share engagement metrics
Program promotion: Communicate program value

Quality maintenance:

Consistent moderation: Fair and timely comment review
Content standards: Maintain professional quality
Technical reliability: Ensure system stability
User experience: Smooth, intuitive interface

🚀 Advanced Administration

Program Scaling

Growing your program:

Multi-location support: Different offices, time zones
Department autonomy: Sub-administrators for teams
Integration planning: Connect with HR and IT systems
Advanced analytics: Deep engagement insights

Enterprise features:

Custom workflows: Organization-specific processes
Advanced security: Enterprise-grade authentication
Compliance tools: Audit trails and reporting
Global support: Multi-language and cultural adaptation

Data Management

Information governance:

Data retention: Compliance with privacy regulations
Export capabilities: Data portability options
Backup procedures: Regular system backups
Recovery planning: Business continuity strategies

Privacy and security:

Data encryption: Secure data transmission
Access controls: Granular permission management
Audit logging: Comprehensive activity tracking
Compliance reporting: Regulatory requirement fulfillment

📋 Quick Reference

Most Used Features

Daily tasks:

Review pending comments
Check engagement metrics
Publish new recognitions
Moderate content quality

Weekly tasks:

Create recognition campaigns
Update employee information
Review participation reports
Clean up old campaigns

Monthly tasks:

Analyze program performance
Plan recognition calendar
Train new users
Update system settings

Keyboard Shortcuts

Common actions:

Ctrl+S (Cmd+S): Save draft
Ctrl+P (Cmd+P): Preview campaign
Ctrl+F (Cmd+F): Search employees/campaigns
Escape: Close modals
Tab: Navigate form fields

Export Options

Available downloads:

Campaign reports: Engagement data
Employee lists: Contact information
Comment history: Moderation records
Analytics data: Custom date ranges

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

General Administration

How many users can the dashboard support? The dashboard scales to thousands of users. Contact support for enterprise scaling guidance.

Can I customize the interface? Yes, you can customize colors, logos, and some layout elements through Settings.

Is the dashboard mobile-friendly? Yes, the dashboard works on tablets and phones, though desktop is recommended for heavy administration.

Campaign Management

How far in advance can I schedule campaigns? You can schedule campaigns up to 1 year in advance.

Can I edit a campaign after publishing? Yes, you can edit most elements, but some changes may require re-approval.

What happens to old campaigns? They move to archive status but remain searchable and can be reactivated.

User Management

How do I reset a user’s password? Go to Users → select user → “Reset Password” → they’ll receive an email with reset instructions.

Can users have multiple roles? Currently, users have one primary role, but you can create custom permission sets.

How do I deactivate a user? Users → select user → “Deactivate” → they’ll lose access but data is preserved.

Analytics

How often does data update? Most metrics update in real-time or within 1 hour. Some reports process overnight.

Can I create custom reports? Yes, through the Analytics section you can create custom date ranges and filters.

How far back does data go? All data is retained indefinitely unless you choose to archive or delete it.

Ready to manage your recognition program? Start with creating your first campaign and exploring the dashboard features! 🎯

Getting started → | Campaign management → | Employee management →