11 Employee Recognition Quotes Every Leader Should Know

When talking about how important it is to show appreciation and gratitude to your employees and how it boosts morale and helps them work with more enthusiasm, I came across so many great quotes. So, here are some that I would like to share – quotes that show your appreciation and also why it matters.

  1. “In behavioral economic terms, when we offer recognition we are acknowledging that the recipients have met a social ideal. They are behaving in a certain manner because they believe is the right thing to do. If we then recognize that behavior with praise or appreciation, we offer a confirmation that their behavior is desirable, and do so in a manner that recipients find meaningful.” 

– Cindy Ventrice

  1. “When a manager recognizes an employee’s behavior, personally and sincerely, both feel proud, gratified, and happy. There’s a human connection that transcends the immediate culture to create a shared bond. The power of this bond is stronger than you might think; indeed, it’s the power that holds together great organizational cultures.” 

– Erik Mosley and Derek Irvine

  1. “I have found that the more I honored others, the more they honored me and the more fulfilling my career became. In the business arena, I have been surrounded by people with awesome skills. The difference between good and great is determined by the mindset you choose to bring to the work. The concept of honor should be part of that mindset.” 

– Douglas Conant

  1. “Employees who report receiving recognition and praise within the last seven days show increased productivity, get higher scores from customers, and have better safety records. They’re just more engaged at work.” 

– Tom Rath

  1. “Even a brief interaction can change the way people think about themselves, their leaders, and the future. Each of those many connections you make has the potential to become a high point or a low point in someone’s day.” 

– Douglas Conant

  1. “Being told something positive about yourself, whether from someone you’re close to, or a passing acquaintance, should really lift the spirits. Just the fact that someone has taken the time to let you know, should have you feeling noticed and appreciated.” 

– Paul Bailey

  1. “Especially when you’re at a high level in an organization, criticism can be devastating to an employee. I prefer to praise employees for what they’re doing right, and it tends to lead to them doing more of the same. Not always, but it’s the way I choose to bet.” 

– Sir Richard Branson

  1. “I became involved in employee recognition by working. Everyone that has a job is involved in recognition, either through giving recognition to their employees or by receiving recognition from their employer. The sad fact is that most of us have been on the non-receiving end.” 

– Christi L. Gibson

  1. “What every genuine philosopher (every genuine man, in fact) craves most is praise — although the philosophers generally call it ‘recognition’!” 

– William James

  1. “People want to be appreciated, cared for, loved, trusted, and respected. But they also want to be understood, and if you master the skills to achieve that, you truly become exceptional.” 

– Joe Navarro

  1. “Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy.” 

– Fred De Witt Van Amburgh