2025 State of Recognition Report

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Recognition is at a crossroads, and the 2025 State of Recognition report reveals a critical truth: appreciation in the workplace is slipping — and so is everything it supports.

Weekly recognition dropped by a full 10% in just one year. Manager recognition? Down from 20% to 15%. These declines may seem subtle, but their ripple effects are anything but. Engagement is falling, retention is faltering, and productivity is under pressure.

But there’s a flip side — one full of potential. The data also shows that when recognition is frequent, meaningful, and manager led, it delivers massive returns.

Employees recognized weekly are:

• 9x more likely to feel a sense of belonging
• 6x more likely to see a long-term future at their company

Manager recognition alone boosts trust, productivity, and purpose across the board.

This year’s report outlines not only what’s at stake, but what’s possible. It’s a call to reset — to move from sporadic praise to a culture of consistent, authentic appreciation that drives clarity, loyalty, and performance. Inside, you’ll find fresh data and practical takeaways to help employers course-correct and re-prioritize recognition in the moments that matter most.

You’ll also get access to expert-led checklists designed to help you:

• Rebuild recognition habits across your organization
• Empower managers to lead with appreciation
• Align recognition to business goals and retention risks
• Make recognition visible, inclusive, and actionable for every employee

Recognition doesn’t need to be complicated — but it does need to be consistent. And right now, the message is clear: without regular, thoughtful recognition, even your best people may start to check out.

The 2025 State of Recognition report is your guide to turning that around.

Ready to reset? Download the full report to transform your recognition program into a strategic driver of success.