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State of Recognition Report

State of Recognition Reports

Get the latest insights from Achievers’ annual report, packed with new data on declining recognition, manager impact, and what it takes to reengage today’s workforce.

Download the latest report

The recognition gap:
Why it matters for employees

53%

are recognized only a few times a year

91%

say they’d put in more effort if recognized

92%

feel unclear about what’s expected of them

State of Recognition Reports: Key insights

2025 State of Recognition Report

The data is clear — appreciation is showing up too late, too rarely, and without real impact. The solution? A commitment to top-down recognition. See what it means for today’s workforce. 

Download the latest report

Key takeaways

Recognition frequency and impact have both declined since 2024

60% of employees are actively job hunting or open to offers 

Employees want frequent, authentic recognition that feels personal 

Employees who are recognized weekly are: 

3x

more likely to feel engaged

9x

more likely to feel belonging

2024 State of Recognition Report

Recognition is everywhere — but impact isn’t. Many employees are getting surface-level recognition that feels inauthentic or generic. See what it takes to make recognition actually matter. 

Download the 2024 report

Key takeaways

The number one challenge for giving more recognition is cultural 

When used strategically, recognition is the people program that supports all your other people programs 

Employees who receive monthly recognition report: 

2x

more engagement

2x

more belonging

2023 State of Recognition Report

With budgets tightening and burnout rising, leaders need ways to retain and motivate employees. Discover why recognition is one of the best tools for driving performance, engagement, and ROI. 

Download the 2023 report

Key takeaways

73% of employees say feeling recognized would lower their desire to job hunt 

When it’s frequent and meaningful, recognition drives real outcomes across engagement, performance, and retention 

The power of meaningful recognition: 

75%

of employees say they’re inspired to work harder

2022 State of Recognition Report

Perks may get attention, but purpose keeps people. Explore why meaningful, well-timed recognition is one of the most powerful tools for retention and engagement. 

Download the 2022 report

Key takeaways

Recognition, flexibility, and development are no longer extras — they’re essentials. 

Recognition can outweigh salary for driving advocacy, job commitment, and productivity 

The impact of recognition: 

52%

say recognition would ease the impact of a salary freeze

2020 State of Recognition Report

Recognition is a must-have — but building a program that scales across teams and time zones takes more than good intentions. Discover what sets successful recognition strategies apart. 

Download the 2020 report

Key takeaways

Global companies need global recognition platforms 

Peer-to-peer recognition is key to driving platform success 

Industries like healthcare and manufacturing are more likely to include reducing turnover in their recognition goals 

The objectives of a recognition program: 

88%

want to increase engagement

88%

want to create a culture of recognition

Generational disconnect: The recognition gap we can’t ignore

The recognition gap across generations

A State of Recognition mini report

Download the mini report

Explore insights across industries

Healthcare

When teams are stretched thin, recognition from managers matters most. 

Manufacturing

Frontline teams need consistent, visible appreciation to stay engaged. 

Financial services

Closing recognition gaps can go a long way in building lasting loyalty.

Professional services

Professional services

Strong leadership is there — now it’s time to match it with recognition.

On demand: Reports + webinars

Catch up on key takeaways from past State of Recognition Reports and expert-led webinars — all in one place.

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