A little more than half (51%) of workers believe they are valued by their employer, even though roughly 8 in 10 employees said their company offers recognition programs, according to a survey commissioned by the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Center for Organizational Excellence.
More than one-third (38%) of surveyed employees said the recognition they receive spurs them to work harder. However, just over a third (36%) of employees said they hadn’t received recognition during the previous 12 months and less than half (47%) said recognition is bestowed impartially when it is offered.
Proponents of employee recognition programs say they can boost worker morale, which, in turn, increases productivity. Such programs can be formal or informal, with bonuses, awards and prizes offered to individuals and/or groups.
“Part of promoting employee well-being is demonstrating how their efforts contribute to the organization’s success and recognizing them for their good work,” APA Chief Executive Officer Norman B. Anderson said in a statement.
Employee recognition also has a direct relationship on retention, according to the survey. Workers said they were more likely to quit within a year if they feel less valued and don’t view their employers’ recognition practices as fair. Conversely, workers who reported that their supervisors are effective in providing recognition said they were more likely to remain with their employer for at least three years.
Not surprisingly, money is the most popular form of recognition for workers, with 62% of survey respondents naming merit-based wage raises as important. Other types of recognition cited by employees included: fair monetary compensation (47%); performance-based bonuses (43%); and promotions or advancement (38%).
Verbal or written praise from supervisors was listed as important by 28% of those surveyed. Less popular forms of recognition include certificates and plaques, organization logo merchandise and public displays noting performance or accomplishments.
Organizations that recognize their workers most often highlight individual job performance, followed by length of service and other milestones such as attendance, retirement and safety records.
The survey of 882 full-time and part-time workers was conducted in August 2014 by Harris Poll. Among those who participated, 63% said they were satisfied with their job.
Some gender-based differences emerged in the survey findings.
Although 87% of men and women said employer recognition is important to them, men were more likely than women to report being satisfied with their company’s recognition practices (54% versus 46%). More men also believed recognition was provided fairly in their organization (52% versus 42%) and that their supervisor provided recognition effectively (56% versus 47%).
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