The 3 Best Research-Based Statistics on Employee Recognition & Engagement

Getting executive buy-in for a strategic employee recognition program isn't always easy. With the right approach however you can build a business case or prove an employee recognition program has a great ROI.

For great statistics to illustrate the power of appreciation, look no further. Our curated list of facts and figures prove the impact of praise on employee engagement. All stats are recent and from independent, well-respected sources. The provided links refer to the original sources. Use them to convince sceptical managers or as scientific references for a presentation.

Recognition is the first driver for engagement, in Europe and globally

Rewards and recognition are the top engagement opportunity both globally and in Europe.
See the graphic above.
From the Aon Hewitt report: 2017 Trends in Global Employee Engagement.

Recognition is the most impactful employee engagement driver

"Recognition given for high performers" is the most impactful driver of employee engagement.
From the Harvard Business School Publishing, The impact of employee engagement on performance. Harvard Business Review. 2013

Recognition is the # 1 driver for engagement in Belgium
"Respect and recognition" is the positively related driver for engagement: an increase of 1 on recognition, will increase engagement by 0.6.
From Korn Ferry | HayGroup. "Insights from Engagement@Work Belgium." 2013

Koen Schreurs