Most People Would Rather Have a "Thank You" from Boss Over a Raise

What’s the best thing your boss could do to show their gratitude for a job well done? According to new research, getting a raise is one of the “most meaningful” forms of appreciation in the workplace, but it doesn’t mean as much as hearing a simple “thank you.”

A poll of 2,000 employed U.S. adults reveals:

• Just over half (55%) of respondents prefer getting personalized forms of gratitude at work, that’s even more than the 52% who prefer a pay raise or the 28% who prefer promotions.
• The personal forms of appreciation employees would like include a one-on-one conversation (15%), being recognized as “employee of the month” (10%), a handshake (9%), winning a team-based award (5%), a shout out on messaging apps (5%) or email (4%).
• Two in five people don’t feel appreciated by their bosses for the work they do and 61% wish they were recognized more for their work.
• More than two-thirds (69%) feel so unappreciated, they’d consider leaving their job in the next three months if their bosses don’t do anything to make them feel more appreciated.
• When asked what it would take for them to jump ship, 10% would change jobs for as little as a 10% increase in salary and 47% would go for just a 5% increase.
• But a third (32%) say they wouldn’t even need another company to offer more money for them to leave. Some workers would change companies for a defined pension plan, remote work opportunities, better work-life balance and a set working schedule.
• While 65% of Americans say they feel motivated to go to work every day, 81% agree that they’d be more motivated if they felt more appreciated for their work.
• To feel recognized and appreciated, people would like more paid time off (37%), hearing “thank you” (21%), lunches paid for by the company (17%), gratitude from executive team members (15%), free company merch (14%) and public recognition (12%).

Source: SWNS Digital