Lack of appreciation is consistently a leading reason why employees move on from a job. And who could blame them—we all crave praise as a fundamental human desire; it just feels good when we are recognized for a job well done! Fortunately, strategic employee recognition is one of the easiest ways for employers to increase productivity, morale, and loyalty. But not all appreciation is created equal! Different generations in the workforce vary in how they prefer to be recognized. So while some organizations aim for a one-size-fits-all approach to employee recognition, it isn’t that simple to yield the greatest return on investment.

Let’s take a look at what makes each generation’s employee appreciation tick.

Generation Z: 1997–2012

The oldest members of Gen Z are just now entering the workforce, so although we are still learning what makes them tick, they are already showing a few trends. As the first generation that has always known social media, they like to be recognized quickly and often (it doesn’t necessarily matter how—just do it!). Gen Z is also practical, which makes sense when they witnessed loved ones struggle through The Great Recession and then the record-high unemployment rates of the coronavirus pandemic. They might appreciate opportunities to impact social causes, such as donations or time off to volunteer.

Millennials: 1980–1996

Like Gen Z, as Millennials have grown up steeped in technology and social media, they like to be recognized early and often. Due to their (perhaps unfair) reputation as the “Me, Me, Me Generation” where everyone gets a medal just for showing up, they will take a lack of recognition to heart and may wonder what they have done wrong. Millennials appreciate experiences and the greater good, and may enjoy travel-related rewards, charitable donations, and time off to volunteer. They will also thrive under an online recognition system.

Generation X: 1965–1979

Gen X likes recognition as much as anyone, but as an autonomous and independent crew, they tend to prefer recognition in private or in a small group rather than a surprise party at the all-staff meeting. Gen X will appreciate anything that improves work-life balance, as their platform in the workplace has been that personal lives matter as much as professional lives. A flex schedule, a day off, travel-related rewards, childcare services, or meal-prep services will all be valued.

Baby Boomers: 1946–1964

Baby Boomers tend to appreciate more traditional recognition—signs they have “achieved” in the workplace, such as a promotion, a better office, or a commemorative plaque/pin/clock, etc. Although they will still find meaning in digital recognition, they tend to prefer in-person recognition. As they near retirement age, health and wellness perks are becoming more important to Baby Boomers.

In Conclusion

Four generations in one place is a lot to juggle! So how do you do it? Work on a recognition program with room for flexibility and customization. This may be a points system where rewards are redeemable for prizes, perks, charitable donations, and so on. It could be any system that is devised in a thoughtful and inclusive way, with the goal of uplifting and uniting your workforce. And if you need help finding the right solution for your business, remember we at YES! Your Human Resources Solution can help! Just contact us for a free consultation, and you’ll be on your way to building your next great employee recognition strategy.