Employee recognition isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a critical driver of performance, retention, and culture. Nectar surveyed 1,000 employees to uncover how recognition—or the lack of it—shapes business performance. This guide distills 17 key lessons from real employee stories, showing why appreciation drives productivity, strengthens culture, and prevents burnout.
Backed by 90+ firsthand accounts—discover why small, authentic gestures matter more than costly perks, the risks of unfair recognition practices, how recognition influences promotions and retention, and the crucial role managers and peers play.
Key insights include:
Recognition motivates employees to work harder—without costly company intervention.
Lack of appreciation accelerates burnout, quiet quitting, and turnover.
Peer-to-peer and manager-led recognition play equally vital roles in morale.
Simple, thoughtful recognition is often more meaningful than expensive perks.
Recognition ties directly to professional development, promotions, and retention.
Whether you’re an HR leader looking to strengthen culture, a manager aiming to boost team performance, or an executive focused on retention, this report offers data-driven insights and actionable strategies to reimagine recognition at work.
Actionable, data-driven, and practical—this guide is your roadmap to building a culture of recognition.
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