--- title: The science of recognition at work | Listen Leon description: "Randomized trials, systematic reviews, large cohorts: what research says about the effects of recognition on motivation, health and engagement at work." image: https://www.listenleon.com/hubfs/og-en-pillar-science.png --- [![Listen Leon](https://www.listenleon.com/hs-fs/hubfs/listen-leon-logo-header.png?width=360&height=85&name=listen-leon-logo-header.png)](https://www.listenleon.com/home) Products ▼ [360° Recognition platformThe wall of gratitude, all year long](https://www.listenleon.com/platform) [Positive Team ChallengeBig moments and events](https://www.listenleon.com/positive-team-challenge) [Trust BuilderTrust within the team](https://www.listenleon.com/trust-builder) [Recognition trainingThe foundation, culture-building](https://www.listenleon.com/training) Solutions ▼ [Companies](https://www.listenleon.com/companies)[Healthcare, hospitals & nursing homes](https://www.listenleon.com/healthcare) [Local government](https://www.listenleon.com/local-government)[Education](https://www.listenleon.com/education)[Emergency services](https://www.listenleon.com/emergency-services)[Higher education](https://www.listenleon.com/higher-education)[Public sector](https://www.listenleon.com/public-sector)[Retail](https://www.listenleon.com/retail) Resources ▼ [Case studies & testimonials](https://www.listenleon.com/case-studies)[In the media](https://www.listenleon.com/press) [Our scientific research](https://www.listenleon.com/science) [About](https://www.listenleon.com/about) [Blog](https://www.listenleon.com/en/recognition) [Contact](https://www.listenleon.com/contact) Guides ▼ [The science of recognition](https://www.listenleon.com/science) [Team cohesion](https://www.listenleon.com/team-cohesion) [Recognition in healthcare](https://www.listenleon.com/healthcare)[Recognition tool](https://www.listenleon.com/recognition-tool)[Cost of absenteeism and resignations](https://www.listenleon.com/cost-of-absenteeism-and-resignations) [Request a demo](https://www.listenleon.com/contact) [FR](https://www.listenleon.com/fr/science-de-la-reconnaissance)EN [Request a demo](https://www.listenleon.com/contact) Guide # The science of recognition Recognition at work is one of the most studied topics in workplace psychology: hundreds of studies, randomized trials, cohorts of tens of thousands of employees. And their conclusions converge. [Request a demo](https://www.listenleon.com/contact)[Read our study](https://www.listenleon.com/science) ![Recognition at work, for everyone and by everyone](https://www.listenleon.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/atlas-theme%20child/images/site/hero-unity.jpg) Only 23 % of employees worldwide feel engaged at work, and just 13 % in Europe (Gallup, 2023). Research points to recognition as one of the most powerful levers to turn this around. ## Abundant research, converging results From the founding work on motivation (Deci and Ryan) and gratitude (Emmons and McCullough), the field has matured. It now rests on the three most demanding levels of evidence in research. 🧪 Randomized controlled trials Groups compared at random, as in medicine. This is the protocol of the study conducted on Listen Leon. 📚 Systematic reviews Independent teams compile every valid study on a topic to draw an overall conclusion. 👥 Large cohorts Tens of thousands of employees followed for years to measure effects on health. ## Six landmark results Figures from peer-reviewed journals and major international surveys. 🙏 +50 % more calls One simple thank-you from their director, and university fundraisers made 50 % more calls the following week. Source: Grant and Gino, 2010, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 🚪 -45 % turnover Employees who receive high-quality recognition are 45 % less likely to have left their job two years later. Source: Gallup and Workhuman, 2024, 3,400 employees tracked. ⚡ x 2.9 on engagement Well-recognized employees are nearly three times as likely to be engaged at work. Source: Gallup and Workhuman, 2024. 🧘 9 trials less stress and depression A systematic review of randomized trials in the workplace shows gratitude reduces perceived stress and depressive symptoms. Source: Komase et al., 2021, Journal of Occupational Health. ❤️ +16 % heart disease risk When effort goes unrewarded, the risk of coronary heart disease rises by 16 % (Siegrist model). Source: Dragano et al., 2017, Epidemiology, 90,164 employees. 🌿 4 weeks to feel better Keeping a gratitude journal for a few weeks increases well-being and optimism, and reduces physical complaints. Source: Emmons and McCullough, 2003, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. ## The science, explained in 2 minutes Professor Jacques Forest walks through what research shows about positive feedback at work. 💬 “More than 50 % of employees never thank their colleagues, while 80 % of them believe it would be beneficial for both parties.” Rébecca Shankland, The Powers of Gratitude ## Why it works Three mechanisms explain the power of a sincere thank-you. 💬 Social worth A thank-you says “what you do matters to someone”. That feeling of being useful sparks the desire to help again. Source: Grant and Gino, 2010. 🌱 The three needs Belonging, autonomy, competence: recognition feeds the three engines of intrinsic motivation. Source: Deci and Ryan, self-determination theory. 🧩 The four forms Recognizing the person, the effort, the way of working and the results. A complete program activates all four. Source: Brun and Dugas, 2008. ## Our contribution to research We also contribute directly to the science. A controlled study run with UQAM and Lund University measured the effects of Listen Leon on 112 employees over 4 weeks, with a control group. 🔥 +7 % intrinsic motivation 🌿 +7 % well-being at work 💪 +6 % use of natural strengths Gradito Dubord, Forest, Balčiūnaitė et al., 2022, Journal of Happiness Studies. [Discover the full study](https://www.listenleon.com/science) ## Recognition in your sector The evidence comes to life in the field. Explore recognition applied to your reality. [🏥 Healthcare → Hospitals, clinics and nursing homes: the gratitude of patients and families.](https://www.listenleon.com/healthcare)[🏢 Companies → Engagement, retention and employer brand.](https://www.listenleon.com/companies)[🏛️ Local government → Residents’ recognition for public workers.](https://www.listenleon.com/local-government)[🎓 Education → Valuing teachers and school staff.](https://www.listenleon.com/education) ## Explore the key concepts Our articles to go deeper into each notion, at your own pace. [🙏 Gratitude at work → The emotion that connects, and its measured effects.](https://www.listenleon.com/en/recognition/gratitude-at-work-what-the-science-really-says)[🔍 Appreciative inquiry → Leading change by starting from what works.](https://www.listenleon.com/en/recognition/appreciative-inquiry-leading-change-by-starting-from-what-works)[😊 Positive psychology → The science of optimal human functioning.](https://www.listenleon.com/en/recognition/positive-psychology-at-work-beyond-the-clich-s)[⚡ Intrinsic motivation → Acting out of meaning and enjoyment, beyond obligation.](https://www.listenleon.com/en/recognition/intrinsic-motivation-the-three-needs-that-sustain-engagement)[💪 Strengths and talents → Spotting and using what each person does best.](https://www.listenleon.com/en/recognition/strengths-based-management-reveal-more-fix-less)[💬 Positive feedback → Saying what goes well, with precision and sincerity.](https://www.listenleon.com/en/recognition/positive-feedback-saying-what-goes-well-changes-performance) ## Your questions about the science of recognition Is the research on recognition really solid? Yes. It rests on randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and cohorts of tens of thousands of employees, published in peer-reviewed journals. Are gratitude and recognition the same thing? Gratitude is an emotion, recognition is a practice. Saying thank you expresses the former and is one of the most effective forms of the latter. How fast can you see effects? Fast. In the study conducted on Listen Leon, 4 weeks were enough to measure significant effects on motivation and well-being. Does it work in every sector? The mechanisms are universal: belonging, autonomy, competence. Studies cover industry, healthcare, services and the public sector. Does recognition have to come from the manager? No, and that is good news. Colleagues, clients, patients or residents see the real work every day. That is the 360° principle. Does the research have limits? Like any science, yes. Effects vary with the quality and duration of programs. That is why we measure every deployment and publish our results. ## From science to practice Let’s look together at how to bring evidence-based recognition into your organization. Fast reply, no commitment. [Request a demo](https://www.listenleon.com/contact) Case study · AP-HM, Marseille ## Brun and Dugas, verified in the field Families who have never read a research paper spontaneously express all four dimensions of recognition. [Read the case study](https://www.listenleon.com/en/case-study/neonatal-intensive-care-unit) Listen Leon Recognition for all and by all. #### Products [360° Platform](https://www.listenleon.com/platform)[Positive Team Challenge](https://www.listenleon.com/positive-team-challenge)[Trust Builder](https://www.listenleon.com/trust-builder)[Training](https://www.listenleon.com/training) #### Solutions [Companies](https://www.listenleon.com/companies)[Healthcare, hospitals & nursing homes](https://www.listenleon.com/healthcare)[Local government](https://www.listenleon.com/local-government)[Education](https://www.listenleon.com/education)[Emergency services](https://www.listenleon.com/emergency-services)[Higher education](https://www.listenleon.com/higher-education)[Public sector](https://www.listenleon.com/public-sector)[Retail](https://www.listenleon.com/retail) #### Resources [Case studies & testimonials](https://www.listenleon.com/case-studies)[In the media](https://www.listenleon.com/press)[Our scientific research](https://www.listenleon.com/science)[About](https://www.listenleon.com/about)[Blog](https://www.listenleon.com/en/recognition)[Contact](https://www.listenleon.com/contact) #### Guides [Recognition at work](https://www.listenleon.com/recognition-at-work)[The lack of recognition](https://www.listenleon.com/lack-of-recognition)[Deploy a recognition program](https://www.listenleon.com/deploy-a-recognition-program)[The science of recognition](https://www.listenleon.com/science-of-recognition)[Team cohesion](https://www.listenleon.com/team-cohesion)[Recognition in healthcare](https://www.listenleon.com/recognition-in-healthcare)[Recognition tool](https://www.listenleon.com/recognition-tool) [Cost of absenteeism and resignations](https://www.listenleon.com/cost-of-absenteeism-and-resignations) © 2026 Listen Leon, a POSITIVO brand. 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