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State of Recognition Reports

Get the latest insights from Achievers’ annual report to understand how AI and change readiness are reshaping workplaces across EMEA — and why recognition is key to resilience. 

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State of Recognition Reports State of Recognition Reports

The data behind EMEA’s workforce

18%

feel supported adapting to AI and tech changes

20%

feel informed when change affects their job

23%

say communication is clear during uncertainty

22%

say recognition isn’t part of the culture

State of Recognition Reports: Key insights

2026 EMEA State of Recognition Report

Explore what’s driving gaps in AI readiness, clarity, and trust across EMEA — and how consistent recognition helps organisations reinforce behaviour during change. 

Download the latest report

Key takeaways

Employees want AI to support work, not replace human moments

Just 17% of staff feel meaningfully recognised by their manager

Recognition helps reinforce clarity and support amongst change

The impact of recognition in EMEA:

32%

say regular recognition leads to higher productivity

91%

say recognition helps them support change

2025 UK State of Recognition Mini Report

Low recognition and weak clarity are putting loyalty at risk in the UK. Discover how meaningful, consistent recognition helps organisations rebuild engagement and retention. 

Download the 2025 report

Key takeaways

92% feel some level of uncertainty about what is expected of them at work

UK employees want to do good work, but they’re operating without clear purpose or recognition

The state of recognition in the UK:

16%

feel regularly recognised by their leader

16%

receive coaching from their managers

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

Explore insights across regions

United Kingdom

Manager recognition and communication connect work to purpose.

France

AI messaging is clear, but change friction is slowing adoption. 

Germany

A stable growth environment, but employee support remains lowest.

Strategic recognition actions for HR teams

Change is accelerating across EMEA, but confidence isn’t keeping pace. The latest insights show how HR leaders can use recognition to strengthen change readiness. 

Get the full framework

Reward AI learning and agility

Highlight the behaviours AI can’t replace

Align local recognition with global standards

Get the full framework

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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