A survey by Reward Gateway Edenred has revealed that British employees report lower levels of workplace appreciation than their counterparts in the US and Australia. The UK scored 61.8 on the appreciation index, compared to 66.3 in the US and 66.8 in Australia. The global average is 65.
Appreciation levels vary by sector, with professional and financial services workers feeling more valued, while those in hospitality, tourism, healthcare, and the public sector reported the lowest scores. UK senior management were notably more satisfied (72) than entry-level staff (61.6).
Managerial recognition emerged as the most significant driver of appreciation, yet only 66% of UK workers felt recognised by their managers. Rewards for effort and a sense of belonging were also critical factors. Notably, Gen X workers (aged 45-60) felt less appreciated than other age groups, highlighting ageism concerns.
Employees in larger organisations felt less supported than those in medium-sized companies, suggesting that bigger firms should focus on fostering a culture of recognition.
The findings underscore the importance of appreciation in driving employee engagement, productivity, and loyalty. Over 88% of UK workers said they perform better when appreciated, with 73% willing to take on extra tasks.
Recognising hard work is essential to create a motivated and loyal workforce.
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