Want to Keep Your Employees? Make Them Feel Seen

Welcome back to The Employee Voice, WorkBuzz's monthly newsletter for HR and people leaders who want the very latest from the frontline of employee engagement.

Ever wonder why nearly half of deskless workers are secretly looking for new positions? It’s not just about paychecks or perks. A study by Office Team found that about 2 in 3 people (66%) would quit their job if they didn't feel appreciated. That's dangerous in today’s tough labor market, where deskless and frontline workers are the backbone of so many businesses and industries, where keeping the ones you have should be a priority number one.

So, what's the secret to retaining them? Employee recognition.

If you’re not recognizing your team—especially the ones who aren’t behind a desk—it’s time to rethink your game plan. This needs to go beyond saying a “nice job” once a year and focus on making real recognition a part of your strategy. When done right, it’s a driving force for keeping employees engaged, loyal, and performing at their best.

Here’s why recognition is a game-changer and how you can make it work for your business:

Why Recognition is a Game-Changer for Businesses 

Let’s talk numbers: businesses with strong recognition programs experience 31% lower turnover. That’s a staggering difference, especially when you consider the cost of replacing an employee can hit 213% of their annual salary. Whether you’re running a busy restaurant, managing a retail chain, or overseeing a team of field workers, showing appreciation isn’t just a nice thing to do—it’s critical to staying competitive.

Hourly and frontline workers often bear the brunt of this oversight. They’re the ones clocking long hours, managing customer interactions, and keeping operations moving, all while feeling undervalued. Without proper recognition, these employees quickly face burnout, and frustration, and ultimately, they leave. The result? High turnover, operational hiccups, and a revolving door of new hires.

How to Recognize Your Deskless Workers (Without Being Lame About It)

It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to make recognition part of your culture. It’s about making sure employees feel seen and valued—on a personal level, in real-time, and in ways that matter to them. Here’s how:

1. Be Fast, Be Real: Recognition works best when it’s timely. Did someone crush a shift or solve a problem under pressure? Tell them. Now. Publicly. It’s a small gesture, but immediate praise carries major weight.

2. Make It Personal: Don’t just send a generic “thanks for your hard work” email. Tailor it. Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase is a pro at this. He sends handwritten notes for work anniversaries or milestones—yes, handwritten. It’s not about grand gestures, but about showing you actually know and appreciate your people.

3. Shout Them Out: Public recognition doesn’t just boost the person being recognized—it sets a company-wide standard for the behavior.

4. Invest in Their Future: Go beyond the accolades and invest in training and career growth. Randall Stephenson, former CEO of AT&T, rolled out the “Future Ready” program to give employees the chance to upskill and move into higher-paying roles. That’s recognition that sticks—and builds loyalty.

5. Care About Their Health: Recognition isn’t just about praise—it’s about caring for your employees as people. Make sure your workers feel valued by offering mental health days, wellness programs, and flexible work schedules. A healthy employee is a happy, productive one.

Final Thoughts

Recognition is more than just a “feel-good” move—it’s a business strategy. When employees feel valued, they work harder, stay longer, and help your business thrive. 

So, whether it’s through shout-outs, personal notes, career development, or wellness programs, the message is clear: if you want loyal, engaged, and productive employees, you need to treat them right. 

Treat your employees right, and they’ll repay you in loyalty, engagement, and performance.

Ready to up your recognition game? Check out our article,  The Secret to Retaining Deskless Workers? The Most Successful CEOs Say It’s All About Recognition, where we dive deep into how leaders like Steve Jobs, Jamie Dimon, and Richard Branson use recognition to build loyalty and drive business success.

The world is constantly changing, and so is the workplace. For HR leaders, staying ahead of these shifts is crucial to building a stronger, more resilient organization. Gain evidence-based insights tailored for today’s evolving workforce, including strategies to effectively support deskless employees, by subscribing to The Employee Voice newsletter, powered by WorkBuzz.