Fifty-eight percent said they’ve been working harder than ever — but unless they see gratitude from their employer they’re going to start cutting back on their level of effort.
Over half of employed respondents working from home revealed they haven’t felt much gratitude from their job since they stopped commuting, according to new research.
The study of 2,000 Americans examined the importance of feeling appreciated, especially amid the struggles of 2020.
The lack of thanks has added to an already strained workforce as seven in 10 said they’re working more and harder than ever before.
Three-quarters of respondents working from home said their mental health would likely improve if they received more appreciation and recognition.
The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Motivosity, found seven in 10 said appreciation means the most when it comes from a manager or executive.
Without thanks, employees won’t be going above and beyond for long since two-thirds (68%) of those working from home said they feel unmotivated to work since everything they do seems to go unnoticed.
Of those ready to cut back, 29% will only do what’s expected of them and a quarter (26%) will just take their time completing assignments.
When respondents working from home were asked what they would love to hear more at work a simple “thank you” topped the list.
“I appreciate you doing that” and “that was helpful” came in second and third place.
“Your time is valuable” and “you went above expectations on this” rounded out the top five.
“Companies know that the mental health of their teams has become a significant concern,” said Scott Johnson, Founder of Motivosity. “More than 74% of employees indicated that their mental health is tied to how well they feel appreciated at work. Successful employers will have a meaningful plan to address that.”
Work isn’t the only place where a little appreciation goes a long way. Half of Americans surveyed feel like nobody around the house appreciates them anymore.
Three in five (63%) confessed to feeling like they’re carrying all the weight with certain chores and no one cares.
The people respondents wished they got more appreciation from were their children (44%), their spouse or partner (41%) and their friends (33%).
Two in five (42%) feel like they don’t get credit for taking care of the laundry while 40% haven’t heard a word of thanks for always cleaning the bathroom.
Other pain points for appreciation around the home were going to the grocery store (37%) and loading the car with gas (33%).
Four in five (79%) said that knowing they were appreciated would be a big boost for their mental health on a daily basis.
Results revealed the top phrases that brighten a respondent’s day are “I appreciate your help” (42%), “thank you” (71%) and “that’s so nice of you” (64%).
Nearly half of respondents said words were their preferred method of appreciation and 39% think a small gift is in order.
A third would want to be recognized in front of others and 28% would rather have cash.
“Employees are happiest when they are appreciated at work and when they feel included within their work community,” added Johnson, the CEO of Motivosity.
“If you’re trying to improve your company culture, focus on gratitude and appreciation. Enable teams and individuals to be appreciative of each other. That’s the kind of culture that improves eNPS scores, keeps customers happy and wins ‘Best Places to Work’ awards!”
TOP PHRASES WFH RESPONDENTS WISH THEY HEARD AT WORK
- Thank you! 34%
- I appreciate you doing that 32%
- That was helpful 28%
- Your time is valuable 27%
- You went above expectations on this 25%
- How are you doing? 24%
- I know how busy you are 21%
- This was really well-done work 19%
- That’s exactly what we hoped you’d do 16%
>> Download the video and infographic for this research story <<
NOTE: All news copy and multimedia on this SWNS account is free to use as you see fit. Where research has been conducted, we ask that you credit the company which commissioned it
