Nearly seven in 10 (67 per cent) employees say they’d deliver 20 per cent to 50 per cent more output if they were recognized by their employer more often, according to a new survey by the Achievers Workforce Institute.
The survey, which polled 3,600 global employees, found just 23 per cent feel meaningfully recognized at work. It also revealed 90 per cent said recognition would boost productivity and 91 per cent said they’d would put in more effort if they felt valued. More than half said they’ve been recognized only a few times a year or less, with recognition frequency dropping 15 percentage points from last year — a decline tied to lower productivity, eroded trust and reduced engagement.
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Just 26 per cent of workers said they feel engaged at work and 23 per cent described themselves as enthusiastic about their jobs. Employees who are regularly recognized by their manager are up to 19-times more likely to trust them, 16.5-times more likely to recommend their company as a great place to work and two- to three-times more likely to feel engaged, productive and connected. However, only 15 per cent said their manager recognizes them regularly, down from 20 per cent last year.
Frequent recognition is also linked to stronger career commitment and productivity, the survey noted. Employees who receive meaningful weekly recognition are nine-times more likely to feel a strong sense of belonging, six-times more likely to see a long-term career with their organization and 2.6-times more likely to be at their most productive.
Peer-to-peer recognition plays a key role in workplace culture, with employees regularly recognized by colleagues 33 per cent more likely to feel a strong sense of belonging and 37 per cent more likely to envision a long career with their employer. Nearly half (45 per cent) of employees said specific, personal recognition without a reward is most impactful, compared to 21 per cent who said they prefer recognition tied to a reward.
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“Connection is the cure to disconnection and recognition is not an optional feel-good gesture but an essential cultural anchor,” said Hannah Yardley, chief people and culture officer at Achievers, in a press release. “With the right strategy, tools and culture in place, companies can use recognition to close today’s connection gap, unlocking the full potential of their business and their people.”