Workhuman, the world’s leading employee recognition provider, has announced findings from its annual global research study. The research shows that employees who are recognized with tangible, monetary rewards are significantly more motivated, engaged, and likely to advocate for their workplace.  

Key findings include the following.  

• When recognition rewards carry clear monetary value, belonging rises by 28%, and engagement rises by 21%.  
• Employees having very positive recognition and rewards experience are twice as likely to feel motivated and 19 times more likely to recommend their company as a great place to work.  
• Most (94%) of those with a very positive recognition and reward experience say they feel motivated, and employees who are recognized with a tangible reward experience more than twice per year are 34% more likely to feel they belong in their organization.  
• Employees who frequently redeem rewards are 34% more likely to feel they belong, and more likely to recognize their colleagues in return.  

The study also highlights that tangible, monetary rewards do more than recognize individual contributions; they strengthen social bonds and extend the impact of recognition across teams and communities.  

• Nearly three-quarters (70%) of employees report using rewards as gifts for colleagues, friends, or family.  
• Over half (56%) use points for items that benefit loved ones’ well-being, making them 25% more likely to feel motivated and 16% more likely to feel connected to colleagues.  
• Positive reward experiences nearly double the likelihood that employees feel connected to coworkers (93% vs. 48%).  

Ease and clarity matter: workers also weigh in on what makes a reward points redemption experience enjoyable, with 44% of employees wanting a simply mobile experience, 40% mentioning clear guidance, and 31% want a shopping experience comparable to leading e-commerce sites.  

“Rewards make appreciation concrete,” says Tom Libretto, president of Workhuman. “They create stories people remember and a lasting reminder of their contributions. Our new research confirms that when organizations combine recognition done right with rewards that carry real value and real choice, business outcomes will follow.”