New report reveals recognition disconnect between employers and employees
Recognising employees for their work should become more frequent, employers are told, as a new report revealed a disconnect in gestures of appreciation in the workplace.
Findings from a new Express Employment Professionals – Harris Poll survey revealed that while employers think they frequently recognise staff, employees see these gestures as rare.
"Recognition is a simple act with a powerful impact," said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International.
"When companies make recognition a priority, they create an environment where employees feel valued, morale improves, and productivity rises. In a season focused on giving thanks, it's a reminder that appreciation should be part of every day, not just once a year."
According to the Express Employment Professionals poll, 71% of employers believe they give frequent and ongoing recognition through private praise (70%), public praise in meetings (65%), and company communications shout-outs (59%).
However, only 54% of employees think recognition at work is regular, and 46% believe it's only reserved for big wins.
In fact, less than a third of employees believe monthly recognition in their work is common, including private praise (27%), public praise (20%), and shout-outs (24%).
Declining recognition at work
The findings reflect recent global trends indicating that employees feel undervalued at work as recognition in workplaces drops.
Data from an Achievers Workforce Institute report revealed that frequent recognition in workplaces dropped to 19% this year, down from 29% in 2024.
The drop comes despite 99% of employers believing that recognising employees for their work is important, according to the Express Employment Professionals - Harris Poll survey.
Another 89% of employers also agreed that recognition at work is a competitive advantage, as they noted the following benefits from it:
- Employees feel valued (64%)
- Morale rises (60%)
- Productivity improves (57%)
- Engagement grows (52%)
- Loyalty strengthens (51%)
The AWI report also previously noted that ROI on appreciation is "massive," as it found that it can foster a culture of productivity and engagement among all employees.
"Recognition, when given frequently and with intention, becomes more than a morale booster," the report read.
"It connects employees to purpose, inspires action, aligns culture, and shapes the behaviours that drive performance for your people and the teams they work on."
