Let’s call it how we see it: employee engagement is struggling.

We’re talking historic lows to the tune of costing the global economy over $438 billion last year alone. Teams are burned out, turnover is high, and motivation is hard to come by. And before you ask—no, another pizza party isn’t going to fix it.

But here’s what will: recognition.

Not the once-a-quarter “employee of the month” kind. Not the blanket gift card dump at year’s end. We’re talking about consistent, strategic, everyday recognition. The kind that builds culture, incentivizes performance, and actually makes people want to stick around because you’ve built something worth staying around for.

This summer, Awardco is diving deep into the ROI of recognition. We’re calling it Return on Recognition™, and we’re bringing data, stories, and strategy to show how this simple idea is transforming the workplace.

Let’s break it down.

Recognition isn’t soft. It’s smart.

You’ve heard the argument that recognition is fluffy. Feel-good. A nice-to-have when times are good, but it’s absolutely something to be jettisoned when times get tough.

But here’s the truth: recognition drives real, bottom-line results.

• Organizations with strong recognition programs see up to 31% lower turnover (SHRM)
  
  
• Recognized employees are up to 27% more productive
  
  
• And when it’s done right, it costs less than traditional bonuses or perks
  

Among its many benefits, recognition also reduces burnout, increases morale, and keeps employees focused when the pressure’s on. It’s not a line item. It’s not a perk. It’s an essential strategy that leaders ignore far too often.

Take Citizens Business Bank, for example. Their revamped recognition program led to higher morale, increased internal mobility, and a significant boost in employee engagement. That’s not fluff. That’s real results that lead to tangible ROI.

Culture doesn’t scale without recognition

Let’s talk culture. Every company wants a strong culture. Everyone says they have one. But how do you actually build a culture that sticks?

You reinforce it every day with recognition.

When people feel seen and appreciated for their work, especially when it reinforces company values, they’re more likely to stay. More likely to perform. More likely to contribute to something bigger than themselves. Why? Because they’re part of something bigger, and they’re being appreciated for their direct contributions.

This isn’t just theory. 79% of employees say a lack of recognition was a top reason for leaving their last job (Gallup). On the flip side, employees who are recognized regularly are 2X more likely to be engaged. And that engagement fuels everything else: innovation, loyalty, collaboration, performance, you name it.

And here’s the kicker: it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Awardco integrates with the tools teams already use—Slack, Teams, your HRIS—to make recognition seamless. Managers get nudges. Teams get insights. And culture starts to show up where it matters most: in the work.

Recognition fuels the flywheel

There’s a reason we call this the Return on Recognition. Because the impact doesn’t stop at one high-five or thank you message. It builds.

One moment of recognition can ripple through a team, sparking more moments just like it. Over time, that momentum creates something bigger: a culture where people feel motivated to show up, give their best, and support one another.

It’s neuroscience. Recognition taps into our brain’s reward system, hitting on basic human needs like status and belonging. That hit of appreciation isn’t just emotional—it’s biological. And it works to build a self-sustaining flywheel of tangible ROI and good vibes.

Recognition without limits

Here’s where a lot of recognition programs fall flat: they don’t reach everyone.

Frontline teams. Hybrid employees. Field workers. People without regular email access. Recognition programs that stop at the desktop are missing most of the workforce.

That’s why it’s important to facilitate recognition without limits, because every one of your employees deserves to be recognized. 

How do you build recognition programs without limits? Through mobile apps, AwardCodes, kiosks, high-visibility signage on company TV’s, customizable catalogs, external recognition, and more. Whether you’re at a laptop in HQ or in steel-toe boots on a job site, recognition should work for everyone.

Why now?

Why are we talking about recognition now? Because the stakes are high. Burnout is real. Disengagement is expensive. And culture won’t wait.

Awardco is leading the way with tools that make recognition easy to implement, easy to scale, and hard to ignore. But this campaign isn’t just about a product. It’s about the movement we’re building together.

This summer, we’ll be hosting webinars with thought leaders, publishing data-driven research, sharing customer stories, and spotlighting the real impact of recognition. And we’re wrapping it all up at RCGNZ Summit 2025, our annual gathering that brings thought leaders from around the globe together to talk about the why, how, and ROI of recognition.

If you're ready to build culture, incentivize performance, and invest in your people the smart way, this is your moment.

Recognition is the most human way to move business forward. Let’s make it count.

Learn more about the true return on recognition here.