Canva, the world’s only all-in-one visual communication platform, recently conducted a survey of 1,500 business professionals in the U.S. and Australia to explore the connection between workplace recognition and job satisfaction. The results are compelling: 81% of employees who feel highly appreciated report elevated job satisfaction, compared to a mere 7% among those who feel unappreciated or neutral. This survey forms part of Canva’s “Love Your Work” brand campaign, which seeks to promote creativity and fulfillment in the workplace.
Key Findings from the Survey:
- Appreciation Correlates with Job Satisfaction:
- 94% of employees who feel highly appreciated love their workplace, and 91% love their job.
- In contrast, only 18% of unappreciated employees report loving their workplace, and just 33% love their job.
- Current Sentiment on Appreciation:
- More than half (56%) of employees feel appreciated or very appreciated at work, while 12% feel unappreciated.
- Factors influencing these sentiments include gender (63% of men vs. 51% of women feel appreciated) and job title (74% of VPs vs. 53% of employees below the director level feel appreciated).
- Impact on Performance:
- 87% of respondents state that feeling appreciated positively impacts their motivation, while 85% say it boosts their confidence.
- 71% of employees who feel highly appreciated are highly motivated, compared to just 6% of those who feel unappreciated.
The Importance of a Culture of Appreciation:
The survey highlights that 88% of employees believe it’s crucial for their company to prioritize building a culture of appreciation. However, only 72% feel their company has made strides in this area. Companies that foster a culture of appreciation see 81% of satisfied employees believe their organization values appreciation.
Frequency of Recognition:
The frequency of recognition plays a significant role in employee satisfaction:
- 21% receive recognition a few times a year.
- 19% are recognized a few times a month.
- 10% are recognized once a year or less.
Among those who are highly satisfied, 71% are recognized at least a few times a month. In contrast, 50% of neutral or dissatisfied employees report receiving recognition once a month or less.
Generational Preferences for Recognition:
With today’s workforce being more generationally diverse, organizations must consider varying preferences for recognition:
- 75% of employees wish they felt more appreciated, particularly 83% of Gen Z.
- Interestingly, Gen Z reports the highest satisfaction with recognition from employers (77%).
Individual Recognition Matters:
While appreciation is vital, employees also want to be recognized as individuals:
- Only 48% feel their workplace acknowledges their unique qualities.
- This recognition is more pronounced for onsite employees (53%) compared to fully remote workers (40%).
Strategies for Improvement:
To enhance feelings of appreciation, the survey reveals key factors that can make a positive impact:
- 59% believe being listened to or heard is essential.
- 48% emphasize the importance of flexible work options and leadership following through on promises.
The research underscores the importance of a tailored approach to employee recognition. Charlotte Anderson, Head of People Experience at Canva, stresses that understanding individual needs and recognizing unique contributions is crucial for empowering teams to achieve their goals. By fostering a culture of appreciation, organizations can significantly improve employee satisfaction and overall engagement.
