47+ Employee Recognition Statistics: An In-depth Study - 2024

Employee recognition statistics show that employees who feel appreciated are 18 times more likely to do a good job. However, 65% of employees say they have not received any recognition in the last year.

This lack of recognition can harm morale and productivity. Recognizing employees more often can make a huge difference—studies show that companies with engaged employees see 17% higher productivity.

In this blog, we'll explore 47+ employee recognition statistics, discussing how recognition impacts productivity, what employees think about it, and how it drives business success. You'll also discover the latest employee recognition trends and the effects of not recognizing employees.

1. Top Employee Recognition Statistics

Before you check out the full report, take a look at these top employee recognition statistics:

What are the employee recognition statistics for 2024?

Employee recognition is essential in the workplace. When companies recognize their employees, they feel appreciated, which leads to better performance, greater happiness, and longer job retention. Here are the top employee recognition statistics that show why recognition matters:

• 66% of employees say they would leave their jobs if they don’t feel appreciated. (Source: Select‍Software Reviews)
• Companies where workers feel appreciated are 21% more successful. (Source: Gallup poll)
• 65% of employees like non-monetary rewards like a simple "thank you" or a kind note. (Source: Select‍Software Reviews)
• 41% of employees want their friends at work to recognize them, and 37% want their boss to notice them. (Source: Globoforce)
• 82% of bosses feel they don’t get enough thanks. (Source: Harvard Business Review)
• Employees who get recognized often are 51% more likely to say their company is a great place to work. (Source: Officevibe)
• Employees who feel appreciated are 18 times more likely to do amazing work. (Source: Select‍Software Reviews)

Employees who receive recognition:

• 5 times more likely to feel valued.
• 6 times more likely to care about their work.
• 7 times more likely to stay at their jobs longer.

(Source: Globoforce)

(Credit: Select‍Software Reviews)

2. How Does Employee Recognition Impact the Workplace?

When we recognize employees, even a simple 'thank you' can make them feel happier, more productive, and more motivated. It helps them enjoy their jobs and work harder. Let’s look at some employee recognition statistics from recent surveys.

About 78% of employees say they would be more productive if they were recognized more often.

• According to a recent Nectar survey, 77.9% of workers would be more productive if they were recognized more often.
• 85% of younger workers (ages 18-24) would be more productive if they received praise.
• 84% of high earners (over $100,000) say recognition helps them work harder.
• Giving simple praise like "good job" can make a big difference.
• Employees feel happier and work better when they are appreciated.

(Credit: Nectar)

81.9% of employees agree that being recognized for their contributions increases their engagement.

According to a recent Nectar survey, recognizing employees plays a big role in keeping them engaged and motivated at work. Showing appreciation can help workers feel more connected to their company and improve their performance.

Here are the survey results:

• 4 out of 5 employees say they feel more engaged when they are recognized.
• Employees who feel engaged are more connected with their company and put in more effort.
• 39% of employees strongly believe that recognition helps them stay engaged at work.
• When employees feel appreciated, they treat their coworkers and customers well.
• Saying “thank you” often helps employees perform at their best and stay committed.

(Credit: Nectar)

71% of employees say they would be less likely to leave their jobs if they received recognition more frequently.

Employee recognition is a proven tool to reduce turnover by up to 29%. 71% of employees are less likely to leave a job when they feel valued, regular recognition ensures better retention and saves organizations thousands in training and hiring.

(Credit: Nectar)

87% of employees believe that meaningful recognition directly impacts their job satisfaction.

With 87% of employees agreeing that recognition directly impacts job satisfaction, companies that prioritize meaningful praise see improvements in retention and morale in the workplace. Recognizing individual contributions helps build a loyal, motivated team.

(Credit: Nectar)

3. The Role of Employee Recognition in Productivity

How does recognition affect employees' perceptions of fairness, creativity, and effort?

Recognition in the workplace is closely related to many positive elements of company culture. Employees who feel consistently recognized experience the following benefits compared to those who do not:

• 2.6x more employees view promotions as fair when they receive recognition.
• 2.2x more employees are inspired to share creative ideas when they are praised.
• 2.0x more employees are willing to put in extra effort when they feel valued and appreciated.

(Source: Greatplacetowork)

(Credit: Greatplacetowork)

What percentage of employees are productive?

Studies show that less than 60% of employees are typically productive during their workday. However, 89% of employees believe that incorporating gamification into the workplace can increase their productivity. Offering branded swag or corporate gifts as rewards promotes healthy competition and motivates employees to perform better.

Check out our blog '11 Company Swag Ideas That Made These Brands Unforgettable' to learn how cool swag can make your team excited and loyal.

Check out our blog '13 Corporate Gift Ideas To Create Stronger & Lasting Relationships!' for easy gift ideas that help build better connections with your employees and clients.

(Source: Quixy)

(Credit: Quixy)

Why are happy employees 12% more productive?

Studies from the University of Warwick show that happy workers are 12% more productive. When people feel good about their jobs they work harder. Giving promotional items as rewards makes them feel appreciated and ready to do their best.

Check out our blog '11 Promotional Item Ideas To Make People Remember Your Brand Forever' for simple ways to show appreciation to your team.

Are engaged employees 17% more productive?

Companies with engaged employees see a 17% increase in productivity. Employees who feel valued work harder and perform better. Recognizing their efforts with promotional products like medals or custom plaques keeps them excited and willing to go above and beyond.

Check out our blog '17 Promotional Product Ideas To Stand Out In A Crowded Market' to find easy ways to recognize and motivate your employees.

(Source: Gallup)

Does employee recognition increase productivity?

Yes, employee recognition helps increase productivity because when people feel valued, they work harder and do better work. Here are some key facts that show how recognition helps with productivity:

• Employee recognition increases productivity by 17% when workers feel valued.
• 89% of employees believe recognition helps them work better and feel appreciated.
• Employees are 63% more likely to stay at a company if they are regularly recognized.
• Giving promotional items like awards, plaques, or custom gifts shows employees they are valued and keeps them motivated.

4. Employee Recognition Statistics by Employee Opinions

Recognized employees are 2.6x more likely to believe promotions are fair.

Employees who feel recognized at work are 2.6 times more likely to believe that promotions in their company are fair. This positive outlook extends beyond promotions—employees who feel appreciated are much more likely to speak positively about their workplace as a whole.

39% of employees say they aren’t recognized enough at work.

According to a recent survey, 39% of employees feel they don’t receive enough recognition at work. Interestingly, only 3% feel over-recognized, while 42% believe the amount of recognition they receive is just right. This shows that recognizing your team regularly is key.

29% of employees report that they do not receive recognition for their work.

A recent survey shows that 29% of employees feel they don’t receive any recognition for their work. Another 17% say they only get recognized once a year, which isn’t much better. On the other hand, 20% are acknowledged quarterly, 11% receive weekly recognition, and just 2% are recognized daily.

28% of employees say manager recognition is the most memorable.

A survey shows that 28% of employees find recognition from their manager the most memorable. In comparison, 24% value recognition from a company leader, while 12% feel most appreciated when recognized by their manager's boss. Additionally, 12% say peer recognition is the most impactful, and 10% mention customers as the source of their most memorable recognition.

(Credit: Zippia)

5. The Importance of Employee Recognition for Business Growth

Employee recognition statistics related to business growth

According to recent studies, 90% of HR professionals agree that effective employee recognition programs drive measurable business growth. Recognized employees show higher engagement, increased productivity and loyalty – factors that directly contribute to overall success.

(Credit: Vantagecircle)

Why is employee recognition necessary?

Employee recognition is necessary because it increases morale. Happy employees are more productive and less likely to leave the company. Here are statistics that show the impact of recognition:

• Companies with employee recognition programs experience 31% less voluntary turnover.
• Organizations that prioritize recognition are 12x more likely to have strong business outcomes.
• Employees who expect recognition are 2.7x more likely to be highly engaged at work.

(Credit: Quantumworkplace)

What are the effects of employee recognition on businesses?

Showing appreciation to employees really helps a business grow. When employees feel appreciated, they are more likely to stay, work harder, and be part of a positive workplace. Here are the statistics that highlight the effects of employee recognition on businesses:

• 84% of HR leaders say recognition improves employee engagement.
• 85% of HR leaders believe recognition makes the company culture better.
• 86% of HR leaders believe recognition helps employees come together.
• 66% of HR managers say recognition strengthens the company’s brand.

When people feel valued, the whole business becomes stronger.

(Source: Vantagecircle)

What is the power of employee recognition?

When employees feel valued, their engagement with both their work and the company increases. The power of recognition is clearly shown in these statistics:

• Recognized employees are 5x more likely to feel connected to company culture.
• They are 4x more likely to be engaged at work.
• Employee recognition increases happiness, productivity and ultimately promotes business growth.

(Source: Theinstitutes)

How can showing appreciation to employees lead to better business results?

Studies show that when employees feel appreciated, they are 56% less likely to leave their jobs and 73% less likely to feel burned out. Happy employees mean a better business. (Source: Clear Co.)

6. Trends in Employee Recognition

What is the trend in employee recognition?

Take a look at the latest employee recognition trends here:

• 65% of employees prefer non-cash rewards like branded gifts or trips over cash.
• 47% of employees like spontaneous rewards like custom mugs or notebooks.
• 47% of employees want growth opportunities as a reward for their work.
• 85% believe they should be rewarded right away for good work, with custom plaques or trophies making it special.
• Celebrating milestones like birthdays and work anniversaries with personalized gifts such as plaques or awards keeps employees engaged and appreciated.

(Source: Apollotechnical)

How often do employees need recognition?

A Gallup study found that recognizing employees at least once a week helps them feel valued and motivated.

Here's what studies show about how often employees should receive recognition:

• Only 2% receive daily recognition.
• 11% are appreciated weekly.
• 20% are recognized quarterly.
• 17% get recognized just once a year.
• Shockingly, 29% don’t receive any recognition at all.

7. The Negative Effects of Lack of Recognition

How does lack of recognition affect employees?

Failing to recognize employees causes 66% to contemplate leaving, triggering low morale and reduced productivity. Timely, personalized rewards, such as custom plaques, can counter these effects by boosting engagement and reducing turnover.

(Credit: Select‍Software Reviews)

What percentage of employees do not get recognition for their hard work?

Studies show that 29% of employees never get any recognition. When employees feel unnoticed, they’re more likely to be unhappy and leave.

(Source: Apollotechnical)

What happens when employees are not recognized?

When employees are not recognized, they often experience burnout, become less engaged, feel more stressed, and are more likely to leave. Timely recognition is essential to keep teams motivated and productive. Here are some statistics that show the impact of a lack of employee recognition:

• 66% would leave if they don’t feel valued.
• 51% of employees quit due to lack of recognition.
• A Gallup survey found that only 1 in 3 workers in the U.S. said they were told 'good job' for their work in the last week.
• Employees who don’t feel valued are more likely to feel stressed and burned out.

What are the statistics for low employee engagement?

Low employee engagement often makes employees feel unappreciated. Let's look at the stats:

• Only 36% of employees feel engaged at work.
• 51% of employees feel disengaged at work.
• 13% of employees feel unhappy and spread negativity.

Are 85% of employees not engaged at work?

Yes, indeed, 85% of employees worldwide are not engaged at work, and many are even actively disengaged. A big reason for this is the lack of recognition. When employees don’t feel appreciated, their motivation drops, making it harder for companies to maintain high performance, especially across different regions.

(Source: Chezuba)

8. Employee Rewards and Recognition Programs Statistics

How do awards and recognition boost company performance?

Recognizing and rewarding employees not only makes them feel good – it can actually boost your business in a big way. Let’s take a look at how:

• Saying "thank you" to employees can help a company make 21% more money. (Source: Gallup)
• Rewarding employees for great work can make them 27% better at their jobs. (Source: LinkedIn)
• Even giving 15% more recognition can increase profits by 2%. (Source: Deloitte)
• Companies that celebrate their employees may see a 9.6% increase in sales. (Source: Hr.com)

How big is the employee rewards market?

In 2022, the employee rewards market reached $15.8 billion and is expected to reach $65.3 billion by 2032, growing at a 15.6% annual rate. This growth shows that businesses are prioritizing employee appreciation more than ever.

(Source: Alliedmarketresearch)

(Credit: Alliedmarketresearch)

How big is the social employee recognition system market in 2024?

The social employee recognition systems market will be valued at USD 13.27 billion in 2024. Companies are spending more to keep their employees happy and engaged.

(Source: Coherentmarketinsights)

(Credit: Coherentmarketinsights)

What percentage of companies have recognition programs?

According to Gallup, only 36% of companies have a recognition program. Additionally, only 21% of people associate monetary rewards with recognition, leaving significant room for improvement in employee appreciation.

(Credit: Gallup)

How effective are employee recognition programs?

When done effectively, employee recognition programs significantly increase engagement, reduce turnover, and improve overall performance. For example, a company with 10,000 employees can save up to $16.1 million annually in turnover costs by implementing recognition programs. (Source: Workhuman)

(Credit: Workhuman)

Employee recognition program statistics

When employees feel appreciated, they work harder and stay longer. Let's look at some important stats about employee recognition:

• A study by SHRM shows that companies with recognition programs have fewer employees leaving than companies without recognition programs.
• WorldatWork says 88% of companies have recognition programs, many of which use something as simple as positive feedback from coworkers.
• According to Globoforce, 89% of workers said they felt happier in their jobs when their hard work was recognized.
• A study by Harvard Business Review found that recognition programs tied to company values ​​work better than programs that are not.

Impact of recognition and rewards on employee retention and turnover

Recognizing employees goes beyond a simple 'thank you'. It increases loyalty, reduces turnover, and creates a more engaged workforce. Here's how recognition affects retention & turnover:

• Recognition and rewards programs can cut turnover by 40%. (Source: Hr.com)
• When employees receive weekly praise, they miss 27% fewer days. (Source: Hr.com)
• If employees don’t feel appreciated, they’re 39% more likely to look for a new job. (Source: Businessinsider)
• Companies that show appreciation have employees who are 56% less likely to leave. (Source: Vantagecircle)
• 79% of people left their jobs because they didn't feel appreciated. (Source: Truelist)

9. Peer-to-Peer Recognition Statistics

What are peer-to-peer recognition statistics?

• Peer feedback can make people 14% better at their job.
• A study showed that peer recognition makes employees more motivated and productive.
• When coworkers recognize each other, it helps them stay engaged and do better work.
• Companies with happy and engaged employees make 21% more profit, and even a small rise in engagement can boost sales by 6%.
• 78% of employees say getting recognized by peers helps them do a better job.
• 61% of employees might quit if they don’t feel recognized at work.

(Source: Achievers)

(Credit: Achievers)

How does peer recognition affect employee engagement and teamwork?

63% of employees receive regular recognition from coworkers, which increases engagement, reduces turnover, and promotes collaboration. Peer-to-peer praise builds stronger teams. (Source: nectar)

The power of peer-to-peer recognition

When we take time to recognize each other in the workplace, it makes a big difference. Peer-to-peer recognition helps build a supportive and motivated team. Here are some statistics that show its power:

• 41% of employees like getting recognized by their peers. (Source: Select‍Software Reviews)
• For 28% of workers, peer feedback makes them feel the most appreciated. (Source: Select‍Software Reviews)
• Peer-to-peer praise is 35.7% more likely to help a company’s money grow than manager-only recognition. (Source: LinkedIn)
• 41% of companies saw better customer satisfaction after starting peer recognition programs. (Source: Bucketlistrewards)
• 90% of workers are happier with their jobs when coworkers notice their hard work. (Source: Bucketlistrewards)
• 12% of employees say their most memorable praise comes from their peers. (Source: Zippia)
• Peer-to-peer recognition makes a strong, positive team culture 2.5 times more likely. (Source: testgorilla)

How often do men and women get recognized at work by different groups?

Men and women experience recognition at work differently. Women are less likely to receive regular praise across different groups. In fact, 36% of women never receive recognition from company leaders like CEOs or executives.

When it comes to managers, 53% of men receive weekly recognition, while only 41% of women experience the same. There is also a difference in peer recognition, with 37% of men receiving daily praise from their coworkers, compared to only 26% of women.

(Credit: nectar)

10. Statistics Related to Outcomes of Employee Recognition

How does employee appreciation affect turnover rates?

A study by Aon Hewitt found that companies with a strong culture of appreciation had 31% lower turnover than companies with a weak recognition program.

Employee satisfaction statistics

According to recent data, around 80% of employees say they feel more satisfied with their jobs when they receive regular recognition from their employers. It's clear that when companies take the time to acknowledge their team’s hard work, employee satisfaction and loyalty naturally grow.

(Credit: Vantagecircle)

Statistics related to benefits of employee recognition

Here are the top statistics that show the benefits of employee recognition:

• Companies with recognition programs have seen a 31% reduction in employee turnover.
• Employees who feel recognized are 73% less likely to experience burnout.
• Recognition increases employee engagement, making them 4x more likely to be actively engaged at work.
• 80% of employees feel more motivated to work harder when recognized by their managers.
• Job satisfaction is boosted by 44% when employees receive regular recognition.

(Source: Flair.hr)

What are the effects of employee recognition on employee performance?

When employees feel appreciated, they work harder, stay motivated and drive better results. Here are the major effects:

• 40% of employees say they would work harder if they were recognized more often. (Source: HBR)
• A simple “thank you” from a manager can increase productivity by 50%. (Source: UMKC.edu)
• Employees at companies with good recognition programs are 48% happier. (Source: Bucketlistrewards)
• 78% of employees put in more effort when rewarded. (Source: Bucketlistrewards)
• Employees perform 14% better when their company says "Good Job."(Source: Bucketlistrewards)
• 37% of employees feel more engaged when their boss recognizes their work. (Source: Zippia)
• When employees receive recognition they are 20 times more likely to be happy. (Source: Gallup)
• 45% of employees say that not getting recognition reduces their productivity. (Source: Worldmetrics)

11. Employee Recognition Statistics (FAQs)

1. What percentage of employees feel recognized at work?

According to studies, 60% of employees feel recognized at work.

2. What percentage of companies have recognition programs?

80% of companies have programs to recognize their employees.

3. Is it important to recognize employees

Employee recognition is vital in boosting morale, increasing engagement, increasing productivity and significantly reducing voluntary turnover. Here are key statistics that highlight why employee recognition is important:

• Companies with good recognition programs have 31% fewer people leaving their jobs.
• Recognition can make workers 14% more productive and engaged.
• Small improvements in recognition can help companies grow their profits by 2%.
• Employees who feel appreciated try harder and are less likely to leave.

4. Do employee recognition programs work?

Yes, employee recognition programs are highly effective. Companies that implement them see a 14% boost in engagement and productivity.

5. Does recognition improve employee engagement?

Yes, recognition improves employee engagement. Companies with recognition programs see a 14% boost in engagement. When employees feel appreciated, 80% say they work harder, leading to a more positive and productive work environment.

6. How do you measure employee recognition?

You can measure employee recognition by directly asking if they feel valued. While offering corporate gifts, swag, or branded merchandise is a good gesture, the most effective way to gauge success is through employee feedback surveys.

Check out our blog '13 Innovative Merch Ideas That Created Buzz & Went Viral!' for fun ideas that can get everyone excited!

 

REFERENCES

Select‍Software Reviews
Gallup poll
Globoforce
Harvard Business Review
Officevibe
Nectar
Greatplacetowork
Quixy
the University of Warwick
Gallup
Zippia
Vantagecircle
Quantumworkplace
Theinstitutes
Clear Co.
Apollotechnical
Deloitte
LinkedIn
Hr.com
Alliedmarketresearch
Coherentmarketinsights
Workhuman
SHRM
Businessinsider
Achievers
Bucketlistrewards
Aon Hewitt