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User Guide

User Guide

Welcome! This guide explains everything employees need to know to participate in Emanate Great recognition displays.

What You’ll See

Throughout your office, you’ll notice TV displays or screens showing recognition presentations for your colleagues. These might include:

  • 🌟 Employee of the Month celebrations
  • 🎉 Promotion announcements
  • 🏆 Team achievements
  • 🎂 Work anniversaries
  • 💪 Special recognitions

These displays rotate automatically, showing multiple recognitions throughout the day.

How to Participate

There are three simple ways to engage with recognition displays:

1. 💬 Leave a Comment

Scan the QR code on any display to write a congratulatory message.

Steps:

  1. Open your phone’s camera app
  2. Point it at the QR code on the display
  3. Tap the notification that appears
  4. Your phone opens a comment page
  5. Write your message and choose a style
  6. Optionally add a GIF
  7. Submit!

Your comment appears on the display within seconds!

Learn more about commenting →

2. ❤️ Like

Show quick appreciation with a simple heart tap.

Steps:

  1. Scan the QR code
  2. Tap the ❤️ heart icon
  3. Done! The like counter increases instantly

It’s anonymous, quick, and a great way to show support!

Learn more about likes →

3. 🌟 Nominate

Suggest colleagues for future recognition (if enabled).

Steps:

  1. Scan the QR code
  2. Tap “Nominate”
  3. Enter the person’s name
  4. Add why they deserve recognition
  5. Submit!

Your nomination goes to HR for consideration.

Learn more about nominations →

Understanding QR Codes

What’s a QR Code?

Those black-and-white squares you see on displays are QR codes. Think of them as special barcodes that your phone camera can read.

How to Scan

iPhone (iOS 11+):

  1. Open the Camera app
  2. Point at the QR code
  3. Tap the yellow notification at the top
  4. Safari opens automatically

Android:

  1. Open the Camera app or Google Lens
  2. Point at the QR code
  3. Tap the link that appears
  4. Your browser opens

Don’t see anything?

  • Make sure you’re 6-12 inches from the screen
  • Check that your camera lens is clean
  • Try a QR scanner app from your app store

Complete QR code guide →

Comment Styles Explained

When you write a comment, you can choose from 10 beautiful styles:

StyleDescriptionBest For
PurpleElegant purple gradientProfessional congratulations
Ice BlueCool, crisp blue tonesClean, corporate feel
IridescentRainbow shimmer effectExtra special celebrations
PeachWarm, soft peachFriendly appreciation
OrangeBright, energetic orangeFun, casual vibes
DreamySoft, ethereal pastelsHeartfelt messages
CoastalOcean-inspired bluesRelaxed, calm tone
SunsetWarm orange/pink gradientEvening celebrations
DiscoSparkly, dynamic colorsParty atmosphere
RainbowFull spectrum colorsJoyful, vibrant recognition

Pick any style you like! There’s no right or wrong choice—it’s all about expressing yourself.

See all styles in action →

Adding GIFs (Optional)

Some recognition displays allow you to add animated GIFs to your comments.

When GIFs Are Available

Look for a “GIF” button when writing your comment. If you don’t see it, GIFs aren’t enabled for that particular recognition.

How to Add a GIF

  1. Write your comment text
  2. Click the GIF button
  3. Search for a relevant GIF (try words like “congratulations,” “celebrate,” “awesome”)
  4. Tap your favorite GIF
  5. It’s added to your comment!

GIF Etiquette

  • Keep it professional - Remember, this appears in your workplace!
  • Match the tone - Choose GIFs that fit the celebration
  • Avoid controversial content - Stick to positive, uplifting reactions

Pro tip: Simple, clear GIFs work best on displays. Avoid overly complex animations that might be hard to see from across the room.

Real-Time Magic

Comments Appear Instantly

When you submit a comment, watch the display! Within 5-10 seconds, your comment appears on screen in the style you chose.

Note: If your organization enables moderation, comments may require approval first. You’ll see a message letting you know.

Live Like Counter

The ❤️ like counter updates in real-time. If you’re watching the display while liking, you’ll see the number increase immediately!

Multiple Comments Welcome

Feel free to comment multiple times:

  • Comment on different recognitions
  • Add additional thoughts later
  • Respond to new information

There’s no limit to spreading appreciation!

Privacy & Security

What Information Is Collected?

When you participate:

  • Your email (for verification only)
  • Your comment text and chosen style
  • Your like (anonymous)
  • Your nomination (if you submit one)

Is It Anonymous?

Comments: You can optionally add your name. If you don’t, the comment appears without attribution.

Likes: Always anonymous—no one knows who liked what.

Nominations: Your name is included so HR knows who to credit for the suggestion.

Who Can See Your Comments?

Only people in your organization. Recognition displays and comments are completely private to your company.

Can You Delete a Comment?

Contact your HR administrator if you need to remove a comment. They have tools to manage all displayed content.

Security Note: All QR codes and pairing codes are time-limited and organization-specific. You can only participate in your own company’s recognitions.

Troubleshooting

QR Code Won’t Scan

Try this:

  • Move closer or farther from the display
  • Clean your camera lens
  • Ensure good lighting on the QR code
  • Wait a moment—codes refresh every few seconds
  • Try a dedicated QR scanner app

Can’t Submit Comment

Common fixes:

  • Check your internet connection
  • Make sure your comment is under 280 characters
  • Verify you entered a valid email
  • Try refreshing the page

Comment Doesn’t Appear

Possible reasons:

  • Moderation enabled - It may need approval first
  • Internet delay - Wait 30 seconds and check again
  • Wrong display - You might be looking at a different screen
  • Cache issue - The display may need to refresh

Full troubleshooting guide →

Best Practices for Employees

Writing Great Comments

Do:

  • ✅ Be sincere and specific
  • ✅ Mention actual achievements
  • ✅ Keep it positive and uplifting
  • ✅ Use appropriate workplace language
  • ✅ Celebrate genuinely

Don’t:

  • ❌ Write generic comments (“Great job!”)
  • ❌ Use inside jokes others won’t understand
  • ❌ Include sensitive or private information
  • ❌ Make it about yourself
  • ❌ Use inappropriate GIFs or language

Great Comment Examples

For Employee of the Month:

“Sarah’s positive attitude and willingness to help anyone who asks make her a joy to work with. Well-deserved! 🌟”

For a Promotion:

“Congratulations on the new role! Your leadership during the Q4 project showed everyone what you’re capable of. 🎉”

For a Work Anniversary:

“5 years of excellence! Thank you for mentoring so many of us and always going above and beyond. ❤️”

When to Like vs. Comment

Use Likes When:

  • You want to show support quickly
  • You’re busy but want to acknowledge
  • Others have already said what you’d say
  • You’re showing general appreciation

Use Comments When:

  • You have something specific to share
  • You want to add a personal touch
  • You have a story or example to mention
  • The achievement is particularly significant

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an app?

No! Everything works through your phone’s web browser. Just scan the QR code.

Can I comment from my computer?

Typically, commenting is designed for mobile phones via QR codes. Check with your HR team if they’ve enabled other access methods.

How many times can I comment?

As many times as you’d like! Feel free to participate in every recognition.

Can other companies see my comments?

No. Everything is completely private to your organization.

What if I make a typo?

Contact your HR administrator—they can edit or remove comments if needed.

Why don’t I see a GIF button?

GIFs may be disabled for certain recognitions. This is normal and set by your HR team.

Can I nominate myself?

Nominations are meant for recognizing others. Let your colleagues nominate you!

What happens to my nominations?

They’re sent to HR for review. They’ll consider nominations when planning future recognitions.

Making the Most of Recognition Displays

Check Regularly

New recognitions are added often! Make it a habit to check displays when:

  • You grab coffee in the break room
  • You’re waiting in the lobby
  • You pass by common areas
  • You have a few free minutes

Encourage Your Team

If you see great comments or creative GIFs, mention them to colleagues! Word-of-mouth helps build a culture of recognition.

Be Timely

Try to comment within a day or two of a recognition being posted. Fresh, timely comments have more impact.

Vary Your Style

Don’t always use the same comment style! Experiment with different colors and tones to keep things interesting.

Spread the Appreciation

Don’t just comment on people you know well. Branch out and celebrate achievements across departments and teams.

Getting Help

Need Assistance?

  • 💬 Ask HR - They manage the recognition program
  • 👥 Ask a colleague - Many people are already participating
  • 📖 Read the guides - We have detailed help for every feature
  • 🔧 Check troubleshooting - Most issues have quick fixes

Ready to celebrate your colleagues? Find a recognition display in your office and scan the QR code to get started! 🎉

Last updated on
QR Codes Guide