A new survey has revealed that many workers would be more likely to stay in a job if their boss showed them recognition in a certain way.
As many as half of UK workers said that all it would take for them to stay in their current role is for their employer to recognise them in the ‘right way’.
Workplace ‘love language’
The Moonpig research of 2,000 UK workers found that employees have a very distinctive workplace ‘love language’.
The UK’s workplace love language rankings:
- Words of affirmation (40%) – Being told by your boss/colleagues you’re doing a good job
- Gifts (24%) – Thank you cards, vouchers, bonuses or thoughtful presents
- Acts of service (22%) – Colleagues helping during busy times, supporting on projects, knowledge sharing
- Quality time (14%) – Team socials, one-on-ones or dedicated time with leadership
The business impact of getting recognition right has also been revealed to be significant:
- 51% say receiving recognition in their preferred style would make them less likely to look for another job
- 50% say it would improve their mental health and wellbeing
- 47% say it would boost their confidence
- 42% would become more loyal to their company
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Despite these findings, 76% of business leaders admit that they could do more to recognise their employees, with 39% saying they’re not confident that their recognition aligns with what their employees actually value.
Men vs Women
Interestingly, the study found significant differences in how men and women feel valued in the workplace.
Women prefer words of affirmation, with 45% saying they want to be told they’re doing a good job, compared to only 35% of men. However, men are keener for tangible rewards – a quarter (25%) want gifts like bonuses and vouchers vs a fifth (20%) of women.
Preferences also evolve with career progression. Women over 40 are significantly more likely to value acts of service – practical help from colleagues during crunch times (25% vs 18% of women under 40) – suggesting a shift from seeking validation to valuing support as careers advance.
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