Over three quarters of the UK workforce would feel more valued and stay in their jobs longer if their companies introduced congratulatory perks.
Gifts such as chocolate or discounts to tourist attractions are received by approximately 26% of employees, according to an online viral survey which sampled 500 people from across the UK. The survey found that just a quarter of workers were thanked verbally when they had done well and just under 16% had been thanked via email.
The research by O2, revealed that one in four employees would like an extra day off as recognition for their efforts. Findings indicate that congratulating staff is certainly beneficial to the company with 84% of employees stating that they would be more loyal to their companies if they were praised for their work and 100% suggesting they would stay in their jobs longer if thanked more often and more effectively.
The research also found that 71% of workers would be willing to work harder if they got more recognition for their labours. Figures also showed that line managers are more efficient in thanking employees than the company is as a whole. Just under 50% of workers had either never been thanked by their companies or could not remember the last time that they†were, while 71% of respondents do remember the last time they were rewarded personally for hard work by their bosses.
Dominic Mahony, HR director of O2 UK, said: “Companies need to be seen to recognise the efforts that employees make to ensure their success and, if they do, those employees will reward them by staying in their jobs longer and going that extra mile when required.”
Companies need to make sure they are appreciating people in the right way – people don’t just want cash, work-life balance initiatives such as a bonus day off have been highly successful with our employees here at O2.”