Recognition emerges as a critical element in reducing turnover in workplaces
Artificial intelligence can play a significant role in making recognition streamlined and easier in organisations, according to a new report, as recognition becomes a critical element in reducing turnover in workplaces.
Research from Espresa found that AI can help recognition programs remain efficient while still keeping the human element.
"Within recognition programs, AI can support that balance by helping employees get started with recognition messages while allowing them to maintain their own tone, intent, and voice," its report read.
"Used thoughtfully, AI can streamline simple activities and make recognition easier to initiate across the organisation."
The report's findings come as recognition becomes at risk of "disappearing" in workplaces, with data from the Achievers Workforce Institute (AWI) last year showing that only 23% of employees felt meaningfully recognised at work.
Recognition from managers, the "most impactful source" of recognition in workplaces, also dropped to just 15% in the past year, according to the AWI report.
The Espresa report indicated that AI is already reshaping how organisations function, and this could include how recognition is delivered.
"For HR teams, the opportunity lies in balancing efficiency with the human element that makes recognition meaningful, while maintaining transparency around how AI is used," the report read.
"The opportunity is not to replace the human element, but to make meaningful recognition easier to give."
Recognition reduces attrition
The findings come as the Espresa report also found that improving employee recognition programs can reduce attrition in workplaces, as retention becomes an operational priority in organisations.
The report, which drew on its Espresa data between 2025 and 2026, revealed that organisations with a workforce engaged in recognition programs showed a 15% lower turnover rate than those with employees who chose not to engage.
The data comes as retention becomes the top priority for 57% of HR departments, and the top operational priority for 39% of organisations in the United States, according to a recent Gallagher report.
Gallagher found that 63% of organisations faced turnover rates of 10% or higher in 2025, while another 44% reported turnover rates of at least 15%, despite widespread reports of job hugging in the previous year.
"Recognition alone is not a retention strategy, but when thoughtfully designed and integrated into the broader employee experience, it becomes a meaningful contributor to culture and workforce stability," said Alex Shubat, co-founder and CEO of Espresa.
"Our data shows that employers don't necessarily need to spend more to create greater impact. They need programmes that make recognition meaningful, accessible, and connected to what employees value."
