Backed by science
Recognition truly changes things
Listen Leon is not based on a hunch. An independent, peer-reviewed study measured concrete effects over four weeks on strengths use, motivation, job satisfaction and well-being.
Published in the Journal of Happiness Studies (2022). Over 500,000 thank-you messages already exchanged on the platform.
The study
An independent, peer-reviewed study
Researchers from UQAM (Montreal) and Lund University (Sweden) tested the Listen Leon app in real conditions. 112 full-time employees used it for four weeks. Their results were compared with a control group of 54 people who did not use it.
The method combines two measurements over time and a comparison group. That is what links the progress to app usage, and not to chance.
Read the full study (DOI)
The results
What the study measured
After four weeks, the group using Listen Leon improved significantly on four dimensions. Effect sizes range from moderate to strong.
d = 0.69
Strengths use
Employees draw on their strengths more at work. This is the study's strongest effect.
d = 0.64
Autonomous motivation
Acting out of interest and values, rather than pressure or obligation.
d = 0.61
Psychological well-being
More meaning, self-acceptance and forward-looking plans.
d = 0.57
Need satisfaction
Feeling more competent, more autonomous and better connected to the team.
d is Cohen's effect size. Around 0.5 the effect is medium, above 0.8 it is large. All four increases are statistically significant.
In full transparency: the study found no effect on need frustration or controlled motivation. We say so too.
Why it works
Self-determination theory
Recognition feeds three basic psychological needs. When they are met, motivation becomes more autonomous, and well-being follows.
Relatedness
Feeling recognized strengthens the bond with the team and the sense of belonging.
Autonomy
Choosing when and how to say thank you nurtures the freedom to act.
Competence
Getting precise feedback on your strengths helps you feel effective and in the right place.
The study confirms the sequence. More need satisfaction leads to more autonomous motivation (statistical link of 0.64), which in turn raises well-being (0.54).
Watch
The research explained
The power of positive feedback
The research explained by Jacques Forest
In the field
From scientific proof to field proof
"Thanks to Listen Leon, our neonatal unit at Hopital Nord in Marseille receives weekly messages from families that remind us of the deep meaning of our work. Listen Leon creates a precious bond between caregivers and patients that fuels our commitment."
Prof. Barthelemy ToselloAP-HM, Hopital Nord, Marseille, neonatal unit
10%
family participation
249
characters per message on average
+13 pts
team eNPS
+24%
of caregivers feel sufficiently recognized
The scientific committee
The researchers behind the study
ESG UQAM
UQAM
Lund University
Lund University
Lund University
What's next
Our next research directions
Recognition in healthcare
Replication in healthcare facilities, with recognition expressed by patients and families.
Randomized study
A randomized controlled protocol to further strengthen the results.
Objective HR data
Adding concrete measures: absenteeism and turnover, on top of questionnaires.
Long-term follow-up
A longitudinal follow-up at 3, 6 and 12 months to observe long-term effects.
FAQ