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State of Recognition Report

State of Employee Recognition Reports

Get the latest insights from Achievers’ annual report, with new data on AI adoption and change readiness, and how recognition helps organizations close the gap.

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AI and change readiness:
The state of today’s workforce

18%

feel supported adapting to AI and new technologies

19%

are confident using new AI tools in the workplace

18%

feel informed when changes affect their job

20%

say recognition builds confidence during change

State of Recognition Reports: Key insights

2026 State of Recognition Report

With AI and new technologies becoming the norm, employees are expected to adapt — but they’re not getting the support they need. Learn why recognition is the key to change-ready workforces. 

Download the latest report

Key takeaways

Across companies, AI adoption is outpacing employee confidence 

17% of employees say AI’s role at work is clear 

Recognition encourages persistence, and strengthens adaptability 

The impact of recognition during times of change: 

21%

say it motivates new ways of working 

64%

say it would motivate support for org changes 

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 2025 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

Explore insights across regions

North America

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Higher AI confidence exists, but limited support leaves most employees unprepared. 

Increased employee retention

United Kingdom

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Recognition drives strong momentum, with employees more willing to support change.  

Increased productivity

France

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Growth is present but uneven. Recognition can validate effort and reduce friction. 

Reducing customer attrition

Germany

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Recognition is consistent but lacks specificity to reinforce growth and performance. 

Lowering defect and error rates

Australia

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Recognition is the performance stabilizer, strengthening productivity and resilience. 

Lowering rates of safety incidents

New Zealand

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Uneven clarity puts pressure on recognition to connect work to purpose during change. 

Program consolidation

Singapore

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Connection and belonging are lowest across APAC, signaling a fragile culture. 

Program administration

Hong Kong

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With trust already strained, recognition plays a key role in restoring credibility. 

Program administration

Recognition actions for HR leaders 

Employees are being asked to adapt to new technology without clear signals for what success looks like. The latest report shows how recognition helps HR leaders reinforce change readiness. 

Get the full framework

Combine AI training with recognition

Identify key behaviors to recognize during change

Monitor shifts in engagement and intent-to-stay

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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