Employees from all generations are feeling overlooked and undervalued, a new global report has revealed.
The new global report from the Achievers Workforce Institute (AWI), based on a survey of 3,600 employees across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Singapore, has found that despite differences in workplace priorities and communication styles, employees universally crave meaningful recognition. Alarmingly, only 21% of Baby Boomers and 17% of Gen X employees report feeling regularly recognised, while Gen Z and Millennials are also feeling largely undervalued.
“We’re at a unique moment where five generations are working side by side,” said Hannah Yardley, Chief People and Culture Officer at Achievers. “This diversity of experience holds immense value… but that exchange only happens when every generation feels engaged and supported. Recognition is the most practical and powerful way to facilitate a culture of productivity and engagement.”
KEY RECOGNITION GAPS ACROSS ALL GENERATIONS
The report identifies key recognition gaps across a;; generations:
- Gen Z: Searching for purpose and feedback
Only 28% of Gen Z employees feel meaningfully recognised. In fact, just 18% say their managers acknowledge their contributions regularly. As digital natives entering the workforce, they crave feedback that ties their work to a sense of purpose. - Millennials: Leading through burnout
While Millennials are the largest generation in the workforce, only 28% see a long-term future with their company. Additionally, only 17% feel consistently recognised. Many Millennials are in leadership roles themselves, risking burnout without adequate appreciation for their efforts. - Gen X: The forgotten generation
Often overlooked despite holding senior roles, only 17% of Gen X employees report meaningful recognition, with a mere 22% feeling a sense of belonging. The report warns that this lack of engagement could impact organisational performance at the managerial level. - Baby Boomers: Staying loyal, feeling undervalued
Although employers globally are projected to need significant new hires to replace departing Boomers, only 11% of those remaining in the workforce feel regularly recognised by managers. Without proper appreciation, Boomers may be less likely to mentor younger employees, risking a loss of institutional knowledge, the report noted.
RECOGNITION AS A UNIFYING SOURCE
The AWI report suggests that recognition could serve as a powerful bridge across generational divides. Employees who receive regular recognition are 2.4 times more likely to build strong workplace relationships and twice as likely to collaborate effectively.
“Across all generations, recognition isn’t a nicety, it’s a necessity,” said Emma Harvie, Global Head of Recognition and Rewards Insights at Achievers. “Meeting employees where they are, and recognising them meaningfully and often, allows organisations to build workplaces where everyone feels they belong.”
The report highlights that one-size-fits-all engagement strategies are no longer sufficient. Instead, organisations must tailor recognition practices to meet the distinct needs of Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers, fostering engagement, productivity and retention across the board.
Click here to download the 2025 State of Recognition mini report.
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