Are Canadian employers hitting the mark with employee recognition?

• Extra time off (46%) 
• Small tokens of appreciation such as gift cards (46%) 
• Verbal praise during one-on-one meetings (40%) 
• Increased schedule flexibility (36%) 
• Public recognition such as corporate awards or team announcements (32%)

So, are employers meeting these preferences?

These are the most common ways that Canadian employers are showing appreciation, according to the survey of 1,500 professionals conducted in December 2024:

• employee appreciation events and awards (51%)
• benefits and perks beyond traditional offerings such as unlimited PTO and wellness stipends (43%)
• impromptu time off with things like early departure days (38%)

Corporate gifting can be a key tool for employee engagement, particularly in the wake of major workplace shifts, according to one expert.

Why is it important to recognize employees?

“Recognizing and rewarding the efforts of your team can lead to higher job satisfaction, engagement and retention,” says Robert Half. “Employees who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to stay with their company and actively contribute to its success.”

The HR consulting firm notes that an effective employee recognition program benefits both the worker and the employer, as it can:

• Increase motivation – When staff members know they will be rewarded for their performance, they show more enthusiasm, take more initiative, and accomplish more.
• Improve team morale – When employees see their colleagues being recognized, they feel inspired to support one another, fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Strengthen company engagement – Recognition programs create a deeper sense of belonging and connection within the organization. Employees see that their contributions matter and make a difference.
• Enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty – Customers prefer to engage with companies that have committed, passionate employees.

O.C. Tanner shares the following tips to ensure all employees feel valued and appreciated at work:

1. See the positive change employees are making.
2. Seek input from employees.
3. Detail what the employee did that made a difference.
4. Encourage employees and their day-to-day efforts.
5. Reward results.
6. Celebrate workers’ years of contributions throughout their career.
7. Help employees be seen and grow.
8. Show you value them for who they are.
9. Care about employees’ entire employee experience.
10. Help workers feel connected to purpose, accomplishment, and one another.

In the often hectic world of HR, the power of recognition sometimes goes unnoticed, according to a previous report.