Recognition matters more than you may think: here’s why
Recognition isn’t just a nice-to-have leadership practice—it’s a retention strategy that delivers measurable results. A recent longitudinal study by Gallup spanning two years found that employees who were regularly recognized were 45% less likely to leave their organizations over that period. In our talent-scarce healthcare environment, that statistic alone should grab every leader’s attention.
Yet recognition often gets pushed to the back burner. Leaders convince themselves they’ll “get to it later” or assume their team already knows they’re appreciated. But here’s what I’ve learned about the true power of a simple thank you: it sticks with people in ways we rarely imagine.
The Framed Thank You Note
A few years ago, I was visiting a former employee at her home office. As we chatted about her new role and family updates, something on her desk caught my eye—a thank you note I had written to her years earlier, carefully framed and displayed prominently in her workspace.
That moment stopped me in my tracks. Here was a simple handwritten note, probably dashed off in just a few minutes during a busy day, that had meant so much to this employee that she’d kept it, framed it, and looked at it daily in her new job.
It was a powerful reminder that recognition doesn’t require grand gestures or expensive rewards—sometimes the most meaningful acknowledgment is also the simplest. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Recognition That Resonates
This experience reinforced what research consistently tells us: recognition matters deeply to employees, and personal, handwritten notes often have the most lasting impact. When we take the time to put pen to paper and specifically acknowledge someone’s contributions, we’re telling them they matter as individuals, not just as employees filling shifts.
Think about your own career. Which recognition moments stand out in your memory? I’d wager they’re not the generic email acknowledgments or the names read from a list at staff meetings. They’re likely the personal moments—when someone took time to notice your specific contribution and acknowledge it in a way that felt genuine and individual.
Recognition is Time Well Spent
For leaders who question whether a thank you note is worth their time, consider this: your employees may carry those notes with them forever. They become tangible reminders that their work has meaning and that someone notices their efforts. In our post-pandemic healthcare environment, where burnout and exhaustion are widespread, these personal connections matter more than ever.
How are you currently showing recognition to your team? If you’re ready to develop a more formal recognition strategy that goes beyond participation trophies and platitudes, we’d love to help you create an approach that truly engages hearts and minds. Let’s talk.
Tags: attracting and retaining talent, coaching, Disengaged Employees, Employee Engagement, employee recognition, top performers
