Why Managerial recognition is key to Employee Experience
We’ve always known that recognition matters – but today’s data proves just how vital it truly is.
Recognition isn’t just a “nice to have,” it’s a strategic lever that drives engagement, performance, and retention. And when that recognition comes from a manager, its impact is multiplied.
A recent study by Deloitte found that managerial recognition is the number one driver of employee appreciation in Australia. That’s no small statement. It tells us that while peer-to-peer praise is valuable, recognition from a manager impacts differently – it validates effort, signals value, and fosters trust.
So, what happens when people feel genuinely appreciated? They don’t just work harder – they stay longer. They engage more deeply. They become advocates for your culture. In fact, Gallup research shows that employees who feel recognised are 63% more likely to stay with their current employer. Recognition is not just a feel-good gesture – it’s a powerful tool for talent retention.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Recognition, especially when embedded into daily leadership behaviour, has a profound impact on mental health and overall job satisfaction. The study states that 69% of employees say their manager has the single greatest impact on their mental health, ranking above doctors, therapists, and family. That statistic should make every organisation sit up and pay attention. The way managers lead – how they acknowledge, support, and value their team can make or break the employee experience.
And here’s the clincher: the modern workforce expects recognition to be structured, visible, and meaningful. That’s where platforms like Brownie Points come in. Recognition platforms aren’t just about sending virtual high-fives, they transform recognition into a strategic, trackable, and deeply embedded part of workplace culture.
Platforms such as Brownie Points do what ad-hoc praise can’t. They link recognition to performance, values, and even career development. It gives managers real-time tools to reward the right behaviours, spotlight growth, and build momentum across the team. It ensures that recognition isn’t left to chance – it becomes part of your operating system.
And perhaps most importantly, they empower managers, making it easy and natural for them to lead with appreciation. When recognition is timely, visible, and aligned to business outcomes, it reinforces culture, motivates teams, and supports psychological safety.
If your goal is to increase retention, improve productivity, and create a thriving culture, you can’t afford to ignore recognition, or leave it to HR alone. You need managers actively involved, supported by the right tools and committed to building a workplace where people feel seen, valued, and inspired to give their best.
The message is clear: recognition is not a perk—it’s a priority. And in today’s competitive landscape, the companies that get it right will win the war for talent. Brownie Points ensures you’re one of them.
Tony Delaney, CEO Brownie Points
