Nearly a third of workers receive no recognition despite recruitment crisis

ALMOST one third of UK workers say they receive no appreciation from the companies they work for, despite major staff shortages, according to a recent study.

According to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), the UK is experiencing the worst staff shortages since 1997, with a 200% increase in advertised vacancies.

Whilst furloughs, redundancies and Brexit have played a significant role in the labour crisis, employees’ treatment and recognition have seemingly also had an impact.  

As a result, business gifts retailer ADLER surveyed 2,000 UK workers about the level of recognition they receive at work and how this affects their morale.   

The study revealed 28% of UK workers feel they receive no appreciation from the companies they work for.

The percentage is slightly higher for women, with 30% feeling like this, compared to 24% of men.

Women are also less likely to receive pay rises compared to male colleagues (21% of women vs 25% of men).

They were also found to be less likely to receive bonuses, personal and public recognition, and awards compared to men.

Staff shortages and retention are the biggest concerns for businesses across the UK following the pandemic, as demand for workers skyrockets.

The pandemic appears to have taken its toll on company culture as well, with 15% of workers believing Covid has had a negative effect on workplace recognition.   

The study revealed that this lack of motivation has led to over a quarter of UK workers searching for new jobs, having reduced productivity, a negative perception of management and poor mental health.

All of these responses were more prevalent in women than men.

Older employees also felt undervalued, with 16 to 24-year-olds feeling over twice as recognised at work compared to over-55s.

When asked how they wanted to be recognised, over half of the people surveyed agreed on pay rises and bonuses.

One third suggested they preferred gifts, with chocolate and personal care being the most wanted gifts.   

Some of these expectations have not gone unnoticed by employers who have had to increase their financial incentives to attract staff as well as retain them.

Recent findings show that 67% of UK employers have increased different roles’ salaries in order to compete for talent. This amounted to a total cost of £2.16 billion.  

With 1.3 million non-UK workers leaving the country, the vacancies will continue to need filling for many months to come.