Remote work | Has HR succeeded or failed to create recognition throughout coronavirus?

The significance of recognition within the workplace has continued to be a key metric in HR-focussed research for many years. Forming an essential part of any HR team’s wellbeing strategy, many studies have proven just how important recognising the work and dedication of employees can be.

SurveyMonkey statistics found that 63% of employees who feel that they are recognised are unlikely to be searching for a new job as a result; OGO research stated that 40% of workers would invest more energy into their work if they were recognised more often; 50% of employees believe that being thanked by a leader improves relationships and builds trust, according to the Cicero Group.

Yet, despite the obvious benefits of reward and recognition, it seems that even before COVID-19 forced most employees to work remotely, there was a breakdown between what employees expected, and what managers and HR were delivering. For example, 58% of employees believed that their employer could do more to improve recognition before the pandemic hit, according to Socialcast.

A separate Deloitte survey found that 52% of employees feel that their rewards strategy isn’t aligned to organisational goals. Specifically, 38% said it was only ‘somewhat aligned’ while 14% said it was not ‘aligned’ at all.