How Appreciation Impacts Workplace Satisfaction & Retention

Cathie Leimbach • August 1, 2023

Human diversity is caused by many factors including genetics, environment, and life experiences. This wide range of human diversity affects many aspects of leading people including their response to receiving – or not receiving – appreciation at work. Recent Gallup research has found that the variability in people receiving appreciation is significantly correlated to the sense of fairness in the workplace, employee burnout, and turnover.


This article summarizes some of the differences between employees who feel they are receiving the right amount of recognition and those who don’t feel they are receiving the right amount. Many of the survey respondents indicated that the right amount of recognition is receiving positive feedback at least a few times a week from colleagues – supervisors and/or other coworkers.

First, let’s look at the feeling of being treated fairly at work, a factor that greatly impacts the workplace culture, morale, and productivity. Those who feel they receive the right amount of recognition are seven times more likely to feel treated fairly than those who don’t receive the right amount. Also, those who receive the right amount of recognition are four times more likely to feel respected and valued at work.


Second, let’s look at the impact of feeling appreciated on burnout. When women don’t receive the right amount of recognition, 31% of them feel burned out while only 11% of those who feel adequately recognized feel burned out. However, 24% of men report being burned out whether they feel appropriately recognized or not. Providing quality appreciation increases women’s sense of well-being and their productivity.


Third, let’s explore the potential impact of recognition on employee retention measured by people actively looking for or watching for other job opportunities. Gallup’s 2023 study found that 40% of men who feel they are receiving the right amount of recognition are looking for or keeping their eyes open for a different job. Of those not feeling well appreciated, 58% of men are paying attention to opportunities elsewhere.  32% of women who are feeling appropriately recognized are looking for or watching for other job opportunities while 56% of women who don’t feel well appreciated are considering working elsewhere.


These realities highlight the importance of managers showing appreciation to employees who are fulfilling any or all aspects of their workplace expectations. When people feel treated fairly they are less likely to complain and will be more productive. Women who feel well appreciated are much less likely to be burned out and, thus, be more productive. Overall, both men and women who feel they are receiving the right amount of recognition are more likely to be committed to staying at their current workplace leading to increased engagement and productivity. 



Managers who prioritize recognizing their employees’ contributions at work will likely receive a high return on this investment. Showing appreciation at work is well worth the time and effort! 

Why Employees Stay: Building a Workplace People Love

By Cathie Leimbach • July 1, 2025
Keeping good employees isn't about luck – it's about creating a place where people genuinely want to work. When companies focus on what really matters to their staff, they see amazing results in loyalty and performance. Talk Openly and Build Trust The best workplaces encourage honest conversations. Employees feel safe sharing ideas and asking questions without worry. When managers are clear about company goals and changes, it creates trust. People stay when they feel their voices matter. Help People Grow Nobody wants to be stuck in the same job forever. Smart companies invest in training and show clear paths for advancement. When workers see chances to learn new skills and move up, they choose to grow with the company instead of leaving for something better. Respect Life Outside Work Great employers know their people have families and interests beyond the office. They offer flexible hours and reasonable workloads. When companies care about their employees' well-being, those employees care more about their work.  These simple changes create a win-win situation where everyone benefits. For even more insights on building a workplace people love, check out Employees Never Quit . What could your workplace do differently to keep great people around?

3 Ways Toxic Workplace Culture Hurts Everyone

By Cathie Leimbach • June 24, 2025
A toxic workplace can make even the best job feel like a nightmare. When negativity takes over, it creates serious problems that affect everyone involved. Lower Productivity and Performance - When employees feel stressed, unappreciated, or constantly criticized, their work quality drops. People spend more time worrying about drama than focusing on their tasks. This means projects take longer to finish, and the company's overall results suffer. Workers who feel beaten down simply can't give their best effort. High Employee Turnover - Nobody wants to stay in a place where they feel miserable. Toxic environments cause good employees to quit and look for better opportunities elsewhere. This creates a costly cycle where companies constantly need to hire and train new people. The remaining staff gets overworked trying to cover for those who left. Mental Health Problems - Toxic workplaces take a real toll on people's well-being. Employees often experience increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. This doesn't just hurt them at work – it affects their personal lives too. When people dread going to work every day, it impacts their relationships and overall happiness. To consider whether your culture might be toxic and what you can do about it, click here to learn about 8 Signs of a Toxic Culture and suggestions for overcoming the negativity.  Having a positive workplace culture isn't just nice to have – it's essential for success. What action could you take to create a healthier workplace culture?
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