Intelligent CXO Issue 43 | Page 70

BUSINESS INSIGHTS

Recognition now drives employee engagement and it must be ingrained in daily operations

Feeling valued at work makes the difference between whether an employee stays or leaves . Jo Werker , CEO at Boostworks , a provider of employee reward and recognition , outlines the power of recognition in a new era for workplace culture .

One thing remains constant in today ’ s rapidly evolving workplace : the need for employees to feel valued and recognised . With the traditional workplace transformed by remote work , global talent and shifting priorities , business leaders are faced with the challenge of fostering a connected and engaged workforce . Recognition , it turns out , is the key to unlocking that engagement .

Setting the scene for a thriving workplace culture
Our latest research , The Heart of Workplace Engagement , involving 3,000 HR professionals , C-suite executives and employees across the UK , shows that an overwhelming 70 % of employees report that emotional connections play a significant role in their recognition . Yet , fewer than half ( 42 %) feel they receive adequate recognition from their CEOs . This gap between leadership intent and employee experience speaks volumes about how recognition strategies need to be reimagined .
Why are empathy and recognition so deeply entwined and why does it matter ? In essence they both fundamentally acknowledge and value the human experience . Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings
ONE THING REMAINS CONSTANT IN TODAY ’ S RAPIDLY EVOLVING WORKPLACE : THE NEED FOR EMPLOYEES TO FEEL VALUED AND RECOGNISED .
of others , which fosters a supportive and inclusive environment . When leaders and colleagues demonstrate empathy , they validate the challenges and contributions of their peers , creating a sense of belonging . Recognition , on the other hand , is the act of appreciating and rewarding these contributions . When employees feel understood and valued through empathetic interactions , recognition becomes more meaningful and impactful , leading to higher morale , increased motivation and a stronger , more cohesive workplace culture .
The importance of understanding company culture
From an early age , we seek recognition from parents , teachers and friends . Our desire for positive affirmation is so strong ,
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