STELLAR Awards - Discovery's Employee Recognition Programme is the tool through which individual and team achievements can be recognised. STELLAR acknowledges accomplishments, contributions and behaviours aligned with their corporate goals and values and growth traits by rewarding employees with cash, merchandise or peer-to-peer (non-monetary) praise. In honour of the innovative spirit and boundless curiosity that drove John Hendricks to establish Discovery 25 years ago and which continues throughout all levels of the company every day, Discovery introduced the John S. Hendricks Innovation Awards in 2009. The awards recognise the most innovative and creative ideas from the past year. From groundbreaking events and specials to successful channel launches, and from new business initiatives to even the simplest ideas that had a tremendous impact, the awards celebrate all areas of innovation that further Discovery's mission of satisfying curiosity and making a difference, drive the growth of their business and inspire other employees to unlock their creativity. Nominations are accepted for both individual and team efforts.

DCIdeas is a corporate-wide programme that gives every employee a chance to participate in the decision-making processes that directly influences their work as well as the company's overall direction. DCIdeas offers employees a way to share their ideas and suggestions with Discovery leadership using an intuitive online interface. Employees can submit ideas directly to senior management and track the review and evaluation of their ideas as they move through the evaluation process. Since the re-launch of DCIdeas in 2009, more than 130 ideas have been submitted for review and implementation. One example of this system at work is Discovery's Planet Green at Work initiative, a special submission platform that was developed to allow employees to suggest ways for the company to employ environmentally-friendly practices in the workplace as well as in the way it conducts business. Discovery also hosts weekly Executive Breakfasts and yearly Executive Road Shows where staff have the unique opportunity to informally meet and engage directly with senior management. This year also saw the launch of the London office Creative Think Tank, which offers a corporate and creative platform respectively for staff to provide feedback and to seek their ideas, for example for new programming or marketing ideas.

Community involvement and philanthropic efforts are cornerstone philosophies for Discovery's corporate social responsibility, and this emphasis is reflected in the numerous programs that Discovery implements with the sole purpose of making a positive impact on its neighbouring communities. Every year Discovery employees take part in a one day volunteer initiative called 'Discover Your Impact Day', which brings thousands of employees globally to volunteer at more than 100 different service sites. In the London office every employee has the opportunity to choose a charity close to their heart and in their neighbourhood from a comprehensive list compiled by the Communications and HR team in partnership with the Media Trust and CSV. Employees can take part in various activities for the charity ranging from gardening, helping build a shed, painting a new centre, cooking at a homeless refuge or simply spending time with end users at their chosen charity. In addition, each of Discovery's brands and businesses embark on a number of partnerships each year with various charities. Discovery Networks UK's premier charitable partnership is with The Scout Association which provides adventurous activities and personal development opportunities for 400,000 young people in the UK aged 6-25. Discovery is sponsoring the Scouts pioneer badge which Discovery re-launched together with the Scouts in September 2011.