Listen, employee engagement isn’t just an HR buzzword — it’s the engine that powers productivity, profitability, and a sense of purpose at work. Yet according to the 2025 State of Recognition report from Achievers, engagement and recognition are both slipping. The good news? The solution is simple, human, and backed by data: meaningful feedback with intentional recognition.
Where We Are Now
The numbers paint a stark picture.
Only 26% of employees feel engaged at work and just 23% plan to stay in their role next year.
Weekly recognition — the gold standard for boosting engagement — has dropped from 29% in 2024 to just 19% in 2025.
Even more concerning, only 15% of employees say their manager regularly recognizes them.
Why It Matters
Recognition is more than a pat on the back. Employees who receive weekly recognition are:
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- 9x more likely to feel a strong sense of belonging
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- 6x more likely to see a long-term career at their company
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- 2.6x more likely to be their most productive selves (Source: HRCI)
That’s not just a morale boost — it’s a business driver. Isn’t that what we are in business for? In fact, 91% of employees say they’d put in more effort if their contributions were noticed and valued.
The Bigger Picture
Recognition helps us get stuff done, generate returns for shareholders, and — perhaps most importantly — coexist at work without feeling miserable. When people feel seen, they’re more creative, collaborative, and resilient during change. Just be intentional with the feedback – not everyone deserves recognition, which means they need a different type of feedback and possibly even an “improvement plan” and/or heads-up that things are not working out.
Call to Action
If you’re a leader, manager, or peer, now’s the time to make recognition a habit. Specific, authentic appreciation given weekly can transform your culture and your bottom line.
Let me know I can help! In the meantime, I created a Free Manager’s Quick-Checklist for Timely Recognition with practical, timely examples of what managers can say or do to recognize employees in a way that’s authentic, specific, and impactful
