Workhuman® has released the latest findings from its ongoing UK Human Workplace Index (HWI) survey, revealing significant insights into employee motivation and recognition as the festive season approaches. The comprehensive study, which focuses on full-time UK employees, highlights the increasing importance of tangible rewards in enhancing workplace satisfaction.
According to the survey, a staggering 94% of employees reported being more likely to exert extra effort when they feel appreciated and recognised for their contributions. However, the findings also indicate that nearly half (47%) of the respondents believe a simple “thank you” without a tangible reward falls short of their motivational needs. This raises important questions about the effectiveness of verbal recognition alone in fostering employee engagement and satisfaction.
The research underscores a growing trend: employees are increasingly looking for rewards beyond just verbal affirmation. Gift vouchers have emerged as the most desired form of recognition, followed closely by experiential rewards, which offer employees the chance to participate in activities or outings that resonate with their personal interests. This preference for flexible reward programmes may stem from a desire for recognition that is more meaningful and fulfilling than traditional material incentives.
Dr Meisha-Ann Martin, Senior Director of People Analytics and Research at Workhuman, remarked on the significance of these findings: “This data highlights the critical need for organisations to rethink their recognition strategies. As we see, a considerable portion of employees seeks more substantial forms of acknowledgment. To enhance employee satisfaction and motivation, companies should consider incorporating tangible rewards into their recognition efforts.”
The survey also explored communication and collaboration preferences across different generational groups. The results showed that face-to-face interactions remain the preferred method of communication for all generations, with email following closely behind. However, phone calls ranked lowest in popularity, particularly among Gen Z employees, only 4% of whom identified it as their preferred communication method.
When it comes to video conferencing, opinions differ among generations regarding the necessity of keeping cameras on. While 30% of Boomers believe it is never acceptable to turn off the camera during video calls, only 10% of Gen Z and 17% of Millennials hold the same view.
Interestingly, nearly 40% of Gen Z workers expressed a willingness to work outside of their contracted hours if compensated. In contrast, a significant number of Millennials (one in three) feel they should not be asked to work beyond their set hours at all. Additionally, about 30% of respondents feel it is appropriate to send work emails at any time.
Dr Martin concluded, “These insights into communication preferences across different groups can help organisations better understand how recognition impacts workplace satisfaction. By considering how to effectively implement recognition and rewards, companies can cultivate a more positive and productive work environment for all employees.”
