All generations in the workplace are not feeling recognised at work, according to a new report, as frequent recognition in workplaces declines.
The latest poll from the Achievers Workforce Institute (AWI) among 3,600 employees in five countries revealed that frequent recognition has plummeted to 19% this year, down from 29% in 2024.
The lack of recognition is felt across all generations present in the workplace, according to the report.
Just 28% of Gen Zs feel meaningfully recognised at work, and only 17% of millennials said they’re regularly recognised by their manager.
Among Gen X employees, only 22% reported a sense of belonging, and 17% reported meaningful recognition.
Additionally, just 11% of Baby Boomers said they are recognised by their managers, while only 16% felt recognised by their peers.
Emma Harvie, Global Head of Recognition and Rewards Insights at Achievers, said the findings indicate the necessity of frequent recognition for employees.
“Whether it’s to help Gen Z connect their work to purpose, ease Millennial burnout, ensure the ‘Forgotten’ generation knows they aren’t forgotten, or make sure Boomers feel valued for their decades of hard work, all agree that more frequent and meaningful recognition is needed,” Harvie said in a statement.
“By meeting employees where they are and recognising them meaningfully and often, organisations can bridge generational divides and build workplaces where everyone feels they belong.”
Benefits of recognition
Hannah Yardley, Chief People and Culture Officer at Achievers, said organisations can only benefit from the diversity of experience in workplaces if every generation feels engaged and supported.
“Recognition is the most practical and powerful way to facilitate a culture of productivity and engagement, no matter the generational background,” Yardley said in a statement.
According to the report, employees who receive weekly recognition are nine times more likely to recommend their company and feel a sense of belonging.
They are also six times more likely to see a long-term career, three times more likely to feel engaged, and 2.6 times more likely to feel productive.
“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.”
The report suggested training managers to recognise employees regularly and meaningfully, as well as making frequent recognition a “non-negotiable part” of every manager’s routine.
Most employees (91%) said they would put in more effort if they felt valued at work, according to the report. Nearly half (45%) also said they believe recognition would make them more productive.
“In other words, the ROI on appreciation is massive,” the report read. “If you want people to go above and beyond — start by showing them they’ve already made an impact.”