Recognition valued by employees

More than a third (34%) of employees believe being thanked or recognised for their work is the most valuable workplace benefit, after a pay rise, according to research by Capita Employee Benefits.

Its research, which surveyed 3,000 employees, found that recognition topped flexible hours (cited as most valuable by 22%) and a promotion or training (both 17%).

The research also found that:  

  • Being recognised or thanked was particularly popular among female employes, cited by 39%.
  • 41% of employees aged over 55 regarded being recognised or thanked as important.
  • Being thanked or recognised was particularly popular with those working in the retail sector (47%), health and social care (42%) and government (39%). 

Robin Hames, head of marketing at Capita Employee Benefits, said: “Making people feel appreciated is a low-cost and easy-to-implement benefit, so in these times of austerity it’s important for employers to know how highly this is valued.”