Boostworks, a leading provider of employee reward and recognition, benefits delivery and wellbeing solutions’, has launched the findings of its latest research-based whitepaper: “The Heart of Workplace Engagement”. The paper revealed that 70 per cent of employees highlight the importance of recognition, but less than half (42 per cent) report receiving regular recognition from their CEOs.

Flagging the importance of the pivotal role of emotional bonds in fostering an engaged and productive workforce, the research – carried out across 3,000 HR professionals, C-suite leaders, and employees across UK businesses – is a deep dive into the role of employer recognition. It emphasises the particular importance of line managers and peers and how they’re the ‘unsung heroes’ for recognising employee achievements and progress. Receiving recognition from managers was cited as pivotal, impacting morale and engagement for 51 per cent of employees.

“In today’s dynamic workplace environment cultivating a thriving culture must extend beyond mere words,” said Andy Caldicott, CEO at Boostworks. “It requires embedding emotional connections and personalised recognition into the daily experiences of employees.

“Our research shows a significant discrepancy between employee needs for recognition and what is actually given, underscoring a substantial gap in leadership practices where the emotional and professional needs of employees are not being fully met.

Key findings and recommendations:

Emotional connections matter:

  • 70 per cent of employees emphasised the importance of emotional connections, highlighting empathy as a critical part of the recognition process.
  • Unfortunately, less than half (42 per cent) of employees reported receiving regular recognition from their CEOs.
  • 81 per cent of HR professionals resonated with the need for emotional bonds, emphasising direct manager feedback and peer recognition.
  • 76 per cent of C-suite leaders acknowledged challenges aligning these practices with business goals due to traditional compensation strategies.

Mind the gap:

  • Nearly 70 per cent of employees and 81 per cent of HR professionals believed in the importance of emotional connections at work.
  • However, only 42 per cent of employees felt acknowledged by their CEOs.
  • Receiving recognition from managers was cited as pivotal, impacting morale and engagement for 51 per cent of employees.
  • Peer-to-peer recognition also held significant value – (55 per cent) acknowledge work milestones and 59 per cent acknowledge their personal milestones.
  • Yet, half of the employees surveyed (50 per cent) agree that senior managers receive more recognition than those at a lower level.

Unsung heroes: Line managers and peers:

  • 51 per cent of employees believed direct recognition from managers positively impacted their morale and engagement.
  • 53 per cent agreed that their line managers regularly acknowledged work milestones, while 51 per cent acknowledged personal milestones.
  • Colleagues also play a role in recognition, with 55 per cent acknowledging work milestones and 59 per cent acknowledging personal milestones.
  • Managers need adequate support; 48 per cent of employees believed they should regularly share information about available rewards and benefits.

“The narrative here is clear – the journey towards a thriving workplace culture is a collective endeavour, demanding a strategic approach to harmonise recognition practices with the holistic aspirations of all employees,” says Caldicott. “Businesses must prioritise emotional connections and recognise the unsung heroes – line managers and peers. By fostering a culture of recognition and setting the tone for better, more transparent communications, organisations can enhance engagement, satisfaction, and all importantly, retention.”

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