A recognition study by Deloitte Greenhouse Experience reveals that organizations can move beyond delivering rewards to building relationships with the workforce of the future. The Deloitte Greenhouse Experience group surveyed more than 16,000 professionals working in more than 4,000 organizations around the world and across a variety of industries, from c-suite leaders to junior staff members. 

The study found key data like:

• 59 percent prefer their accomplishments to be recognized with new growth opportunities

• 25 percent want recognition for the effort they put in, not just the big wins

• 37 percent prefer that recognition be delivered privately, not shared with others

• 44 percent prefer recognition in the from the leadership level above their direct supervisor

The report highlights that while all survey participants agreed that recognizing others for their work is a positive thing, people differ in “how” they want to be recognized, “for what” and “by whom.”

The study found that three-quarters of people are satisfied with a “thank you” for their everyday efforts. However, 36 percent of women would prefer you make the extra effort and put that in writing.

When asked about the form of recognition, salary increases, high performance ratings, and bonuses were far less popular choices. This may be particularly welcome news for those organizations that have moved away from performance ratings and are looking for other ways to recognize performance. This finding is particularly meaningful in light of evidence that extrinsic rewards may lead people to work harder in the short-term, but ultimately have negative effects on long-term motivation.

The report concuded that overall, people most want to be recognized for success.