Feeling valued at work might be the most underestimated driver of success in today’s workplace. The 2025 Appreciation Index Report by Reward Gateway | Edenred reveals how fostering genuine recognition can unlock employee potential, drive engagement, and reshape business outcomes.
Beyond productivity and attendance, the study discusses the emotional and psychological impact of appreciation, highlighting its role in transforming workplace culture.
Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to work harder, stay engaged, and experience higher levels of job satisfaction. Traditional metrics like productivity and absenteeism no longer capture the complete picture of employee success. Instead, the report shows the growing demand for human-centered workplace experiences that acknowledge employees not just for their output but for their intrinsic value as individuals.
“At work, the individual human experience is extraordinarily important, not just for employees, but for a business’ bottom line. People are a company’s greatest asset, and by fostering a genuine culture of appreciation, organisations can unlock employee potential and success, transforming the world of work at every level,” said Anthony Knierim, Managing Director, Americas of Reward Gateway | Edenred.
The Appreciation Index combines explicit and implicit responses using a psychometric approach to gauge employees’ sentiments. Scored on a scale from 0 to 100, the U.S. achieved an appreciation score of 66.3, slightly exceeding the global average of 65. While the data suggests that many employees feel recognised at work, it also shows significant opportunities for improvement.
Clear disparities
Disparities in how appreciation is experienced across demographics still exist. Men reported slightly higher levels of feeling valued (67.0) compared to women (65.0). Employees with caregiving responsibilities noted stronger support from managers than those without such roles. Smaller organisations (fewer than 500 employees) consistently outperformed larger ones (over 2,500 employees) in fostering a sense of appreciation, while workers with greater autonomy and flexibility reported higher satisfaction than those with more rigid job structures.
Recognition that extends beyond transactional acknowledgment can transform the employee experience, driving both personal fulfillment and organisational success.