24/07/2026
Recognition Is Important. Appreciation Is Essential.
When we talk about workplace recognition, it's easy to think about celebrating achievements, meeting targets, or acknowledging a job well done. Those moments matter, but they're only part of what helps people thrive at work.
In the Harvard Business Review article "Why Employees Need Both Recognition and Appreciation," the authors make an important distinction. Recognition is about acknowledging what someone has done, while appreciation is about valuing who they are and the contribution they bring as a person. Recognition is often tied to performance. Appreciation reminds people that they matter beyond their latest accomplishment.
That distinction has a profound impact on wellbeing.
People who feel seen, valued, and genuinely appreciated are more likely to experience a stronger sense of belonging, purpose, and connection at work. Sometimes, a sincere conversation or a thoughtful acknowledgment can have just as much impact as a formal reward.
As leaders, it's worth asking ourselves: Do our people only hear from us when they've achieved something extraordinary, or do they regularly experience that they are valued simply because of the role they play in our organization's success?
At Investors in People, Indicator 5 – Recognizing and Rewarding People reminds us that meaningful recognition is more than a leadership gesture. It is a leadership practice that helps create workplaces where people do not just perform. They feel valued, supported, and able to thrive.
