Meaningful Recognition: What Pharmacy Technicians Really Want on World Pharmacy Technician Day

Every October, World Pharmacy Technician Day reminds the profession that pharmacy technicians aren't just “support staff”—they’re vital members of the health care team. Yet, when it comes to celebrating them, not every effort lands with equal impact.

In a new NPTA survey of pharmacy technicians across community, hospital, long-term care, and educational settings, nearly half said they were not recognized last year. The findings highlight a crucial insight for pharmacists, managers, and employers: recognition doesn’t have to be expensive—it has to be genuine.

What Technicians Actually Want

From chain drugstores to rural hospitals, the message was consistent. Technicians value gestures that feel thoughtful, personal, and purposeful.

The top-mentioned recognition ideas included:

• Shared meals or catered lunches that allow time to connect as a team
• Gift cards or small, practical gifts like coffee mugs, reusable lunch totes, or pharmacy-themed apparel
• Public appreciation, such as a team email, bulletin board spotlight, or social media post highlighting each technician’s contributions
• Personalized thank-you notes from pharmacists or managers recognizing specific efforts or achievements

As one respondent shared, “It’s not about spending money—it’s about showing that you notice what we do every single day.”

What Not to Do: Avoiding Hollow Gestures

Technicians were equally vocal about what feels meaningless or overused.

Among the top “please don’t” responses:

• Buying the same old pizza or donuts every year
• Offering generic branded items—pens, cups, or lanyards—without any message of thanks
• Sending mass “thank-you” emails that feel impersonal

These gestures might check a box, but they don’t build morale. Recognition that feels obligatory or generic can do more harm than good. Technicians notice when appreciation is sincere—and when it’s not.

Recognition That Elevates the Profession

A key theme emerging from NPTA’s survey is the desire for professional recognition, not just “thank-yous.” Technicians want acknowledgment that reinforces their expertise and importance to patient care.

Examples that stood out include:

• Featuring technicians in World Pharmacy Technician Day social posts or internal newsletters
• Creating a “Technician of the Year” nomination or peer-vote award
• Offering a professional development incentive—like paid CE hours, a conference stipend, or mentorship opportunities
• Empowering technicians to lead a team huddle, safety check, or workflow improvement project

When recognition ties to professional growth, it deepens engagement and loyalty while advancing the culture of pharmacy practice.

Three Pillars of Meaningful Recognition

Across hundreds of responses, the formula for meaningful recognition came into sharp focus. The most impactful efforts blend personal, professional, and practical appreciation:

1. Personal: A sincere thank-you that names their contributions and effort.
2. Professional: Acknowledgment that technicians are clinical professionals whose work impacts patient safety and outcomes.
3. Practical: A small but useful gesture—a meal, coffee, or early clock-out—that shows respect for their time and well-being.

Recognition rooted in authenticity fosters trust, teamwork, and retention far more effectively than one-day celebrations.

A Message to Pharmacy Leaders

World Pharmacy Technician Day is October’s annual reminder—but recognition shouldn’t be a once-a-year event. It’s part of creating a culture where technicians feel respected, empowered, and seen as essential contributors to pharmacy success.

This year, take the opportunity to ask your team: What would make you feel appreciated? Then, follow through with sincerity.

Whether it’s a heartfelt note, a shared meal, or a commitment to career development, your appreciation can spark lasting motivation—and remind your technicians that their work truly matters.