The Achievers Workforce Institute (AWI), the research arm of Achievers, the world’s most utilized recognition and reward software, today released the latest installment of its State of Recognition mini report series. This edition explores how different generations view recognition in the workplace, and what each generation needs to bring their most engaged and productive selves to work.
From Gen Z’s love of feedback to Gen X’s desire for appreciation and alignment, the data shows that one-size-fits-all engagement strategies no longer work. While each generation has different preferences, the core takeaway is the same: employees of all ages want to feel seen, valued, and connected to meaningful work. Unfortunately, the data reveals that most organizations are falling short, and each generation feels overlooked.
Recognition could be the glue that unites a multi-generational workforce. When employees, no matter their age, are regularly recognized by their manager, they are 2.4 times more likely to build strong relationships and work towards shared goals, and twice as likely to collaborate and feel productive.
“We’re at a unique moment where five generations are working side by side,” said Hannah Yardley, Chief People and Culture Officer at Achievers. “This diversity of experience holds immense value, as younger employees bring fresh ideas and skills, while older generations hold high levels of institutional knowledge and industry experience. But that exchange only happens when every generation feels engaged and supported. Recognition is the most practical and powerful way to facilitate a culture of productivity and engagement, no matter the generational background.”
The generational deep dive uncovered a variety of recognition-related nuances across age groups:
Gen Z: Searching for Purpose and Feedback
Conversations around Gen Z in the workforce are constant, but their needs are simple: they’re searching for validation and purpose in their work. To engage them, first, organizations must understand where they’re missing the mark. The report found under one-third (28%) of Gen Z feels meaningfully recognized, and just 18% say their manager regularly recognizes them, revealing a growing gap for employers trying to engage the generation.
Millennials: Leading Through Burnout
Millennials, the largest group in today’s workforce, are more likely than any other generation to see a long-term future with their company, but that’s still only 28% of respondents. To make matters worse, a mere 17% say they’re regularly recognized by their manager. As many members of this generation serve as people leaders themselves, without appreciation for their own efforts, they risk burning out, a challenge that can overflow into the teams they lead.
Gen X: Feeling Forgotten
Despite many Gen X professionals holding senior leadership roles, they are the least likely to feel engaged or recognized, often referred to as the “forgotten generation.“ These respondents reported the lowest sense of belonging (22%) and meaningful recognition (17%), highlighting an urgent need for organizations to reinvest in those most often leading teams, and therein, driving performance.
Baby Boomers: Staying Loyal, Feeling Undervalued
Recent studies have projected that U.S. employers need to hire more than 240,000 people a month through 2029 to replace Baby Boomers departing the workforce. Retaining those who remain is crucial to preserve their institutional knowledge and help upskill their younger colleagues. Yet only 11% say they are regularly recognized by their managers, and 16% by peers. Low recognition may hinder Baby Boomers’ motivation to mentor younger peers, which has serious long-term consequences.
“This report makes one thing clear: across all generations, recognition isn’t a nicety, it’s a necessity,” said Emma Harvie, Global Head of Recognition and Rewards Insights at Achievers. “Whether it’s to help Gen Z connect their work to purpose, ease Millennial burnout, ensure the ‘Forgotten’ generation knows they aren’t forgotten, or make sure Boomers feel valued for their decades of hard work, all agree that more frequent and meaningful recognition is needed. By meeting employees where they are and recognizing them meaningfully and often, organizations can bridge generational divides and build workplaces where everyone feels they belong.”
To explore how recognition can drive engagement and belonging across generations, download AWI’s most recent mini report, “The recognition gap across generations” here.
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