Appreciating employees’ efforts and results takes place on a regular basis in 54% of U.K. organisations, where it’s an integral part of everyday culture. This is up from 51% in 2024, with the growth in employee recognition positively impacting business outcomes. Indications are that more regular appreciation is being facilitated by a greater number of recognition programmes and initiatives, with 51% of U.K. organisations now having these in place – an increase of 3% within just 12 months.

These are the findings from gathered data and insights* from 38,075 workers from 27 countries including 4,896 from the U.K.

“We’re seeing more frequent recognition giving among U.K. businesses, which is key if employers are to create an environment where employees want to stay and contribute their best work”, says Robert Ordever, European Managing Director of O.C. Tanner.

The report reveals that when recognition happens frequently and in meaningful ways, this positively impacts a number of business outcomes with employees eight times’ more likely to feel a strong sense of belonging, and five times’ more likely to want to stay with the company for two years or more. Plus, when a culture of appreciation exists, burnout is 87% less likely among U.K. employees, reducing rates of absenteeism.

Ordever says, “More businesses are understanding that they simply can’t focus on ad hoc shows of appreciation but that recognition must become part of the everyday employee experience and be inclusive, authentic and personalised. And when this happens, higher staff retention, reduced absenteeism and increased productivity are typical.”

For recognition to deliver the greatest results, organisations must champion the giving and receiving of appreciation across the whole organisation – including from peer-to-peer – with programmes and technologies in place to streamline the recognition giving process. Small efforts must be recognised, in addition to large efforts and results, so that all employees feel ‘seen’, valued and part of a supportive community.

Ordever adds, “While the report’s results are encouraging, with regular recognition taking place across more U.K. businesses, it’s crucial that employee appreciation continues to be given the attention and investment it requires. Leaders must prioritise recognition and as part of this, they must teach leaders and employees how to recognise each other in ways that are thoughtful and meaningful. Achieving this delivers powerful business results.”

*O.C. Tanner’s 2025 Global Culture Report