2025 Recognition Report Unveils Shift to a Relationship Economy in Workplaces
In a groundbreaking study, Bonusly released its 2025 State of Recognition Report, shedding light on a critical evolution in workplace dynamics—what the report refers to as the 'relationship economy.' This term defines a new paradigm where human connections within the workplace significantly influence organizational performance, particularly in an era marked by distributed work and the rising utilization of artificial intelligence.
The report outlines several essential changes in how relationships in the workplace are formed and maintained, alongside the strategic role of employee recognition in fostering these connections:
1. Cross-Boundary Connections: Modern employees express a desire for innovative ways to engage and form relationships with colleagues beyond their immediate teams. Remarkably, recognition rates have surged, surpassing pre-2020 levels, with 40% of recognition spanning across different locations and a staggering 60% crossing departmental boundaries. This trend illustrates a strong movement away from traditional silos within organizations.
2. Engagement Among Disengaged Employees: A troubling statistic from Gallup highlights a significant drop in employee engagement, plummeting to about 30%—the lowest it has been in a decade. Many employees report feeling unrecognized in their roles. However, the data suggests a positive correlation: when employees have access to effective recognition platforms, the frequency of recognition increases to an impressive once a week, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation within the company.
3. Emphasis on Human-Centric Skills in an AI-Driven World: As artificial intelligence takes over more routine tasks, the report accentuates the importance of human-centric skills such as collaboration and communication. Recognition plays a vital role in amplifying these essential workplace values, reinforcing the idea that building strong interpersonal relationships remains paramount even in technological upheaval.
Charles Hough, CEO of Bonusly, articulates a crucial assertion: "We've entered into a relationship economy where the strength of human connections defines high performance." He emphasizes that organizations that prioritize strong workplace relationships are ultimately more successful. Recognition, he argues, serves as the vital link that enhances these connections, effectively transforming connection into a form of currency in the modern workplace.
Tara Cooper from Mercer echoes these sentiments by stating, "The future of work isn't about how well we keep up with AI; it's about how well we double down on being human." This perspective frames human connection as the new form of currency, noting that organizations that elevate a human-centric focus will not just survive amidst rapid changes but thrive.
The report published by Bonusly redefines recognition as more than just an HR initiative; it is presented as a strategic approach to building vital workplace connections that drive the performance of companies in today’s complex world. In recognizing and nurturing these human bonds, businesses lay the groundwork for greater engagement, employee satisfaction, and, ultimately, organizational success. Bonusly's platform stands as a testament to these findings, utilized by over 3,400 global organizations—such as DoorDash, Toast, and others—to foster an environment where recognition is not just a gesture but a culture that benefits everyone involved. The path forward for many organizations may very well depend on their ability to embrace and enhance the power of recognition as they navigate this new relationship-centric economy.
Key Findings
The report outlines several essential changes in how relationships in the workplace are formed and maintained, alongside the strategic role of employee recognition in fostering these connections:
1. Cross-Boundary Connections: Modern employees express a desire for innovative ways to engage and form relationships with colleagues beyond their immediate teams. Remarkably, recognition rates have surged, surpassing pre-2020 levels, with 40% of recognition spanning across different locations and a staggering 60% crossing departmental boundaries. This trend illustrates a strong movement away from traditional silos within organizations.
2. Engagement Among Disengaged Employees: A troubling statistic from Gallup highlights a significant drop in employee engagement, plummeting to about 30%—the lowest it has been in a decade. Many employees report feeling unrecognized in their roles. However, the data suggests a positive correlation: when employees have access to effective recognition platforms, the frequency of recognition increases to an impressive once a week, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation within the company.
3. Emphasis on Human-Centric Skills in an AI-Driven World: As artificial intelligence takes over more routine tasks, the report accentuates the importance of human-centric skills such as collaboration and communication. Recognition plays a vital role in amplifying these essential workplace values, reinforcing the idea that building strong interpersonal relationships remains paramount even in technological upheaval.
Strategic Insights
Charles Hough, CEO of Bonusly, articulates a crucial assertion: "We've entered into a relationship economy where the strength of human connections defines high performance." He emphasizes that organizations that prioritize strong workplace relationships are ultimately more successful. Recognition, he argues, serves as the vital link that enhances these connections, effectively transforming connection into a form of currency in the modern workplace.
Tara Cooper from Mercer echoes these sentiments by stating, "The future of work isn't about how well we keep up with AI; it's about how well we double down on being human." This perspective frames human connection as the new form of currency, noting that organizations that elevate a human-centric focus will not just survive amidst rapid changes but thrive.
Conclusion
The report published by Bonusly redefines recognition as more than just an HR initiative; it is presented as a strategic approach to building vital workplace connections that drive the performance of companies in today’s complex world. In recognizing and nurturing these human bonds, businesses lay the groundwork for greater engagement, employee satisfaction, and, ultimately, organizational success. Bonusly's platform stands as a testament to these findings, utilized by over 3,400 global organizations—such as DoorDash, Toast, and others—to foster an environment where recognition is not just a gesture but a culture that benefits everyone involved. The path forward for many organizations may very well depend on their ability to embrace and enhance the power of recognition as they navigate this new relationship-centric economy.
Topics People & Culture）
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