Canada: Effort is high, appreciation is low, and people are ready to leave

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In Canada, employees are showing up and putting in the effort — but appreciation isn’t showing up with them. Despite strong work ethic and a deep cultural emphasis on politeness, recognition remains rare, inconsistent, and too often silent. Only a fraction of employees say they feel seen, respected, or recognized by their managers — a gap that’s leaving them disconnected and looking for the exit.

Engagement and purpose are slipping, growth feels stalled, and manager trust is low. Just 21% of employees say they feel meaningfully recognized, and even fewer report regular feedback from their leaders. For many, uncertainty is high, clarity is missing, and confidence in the future is fading fast.

This isn’t just about saying “thank you” more often — it’s about making recognition part of the culture. When done right, appreciation drives clarity, connection, and a reason to stay. When it’s missing, even the most committed employees start to question whether their effort matters.

This report breaks down the latest recognition data across Canadian workplaces to help employers take action. Because in a country known for politeness, what employees really need to hear is: You matter.