This gives managers room to improve. Offering praise more regularly and making sure it is accurately received are both key areas for growth. Employees value getting recognition from their manager the most. This helps facilitate a healthy, productive work culture. Apart from verbal or digital praise, employees across various industries seem to prefer cash bonuses, however, other rewards are growing in popularity.

• Cash bonuses – 59%
• Paid time-off (PTO) – 48%
• Gifts or gift cards – 38%
• Flexible work options – 34%
• Private recognition – 29%
• Public recognition – 18%

More than one-third (36%) of employees welcome AI's appreciation. The role of artificial intelligence for the purpose of employee recognition is slowly building steam, however it has emerged as a dividing topic.

On one hand, AI-driven recognition shows promise. Thirty-six percent of employees receive appreciation and recognition from AI for their daily work contributions. A supportive 41% believe AI-conducted programs could enhance their feeling of employee recognition.

Related: Building a culture of appreciation in your workplace

On the other hand, a slightly lower percentage of employees are skeptical. Thirty-three percent don't value praise from AI, and 27% do not believe it will have an impact on strategic workplace recognition.

Increased job satisfaction, loyalty, and a sense of belonging are all benefits of heightened positive reinforcement. By leveraging generative tech, managers can automate some elements of their recognition process and raise their frequency of giving praise in more meaningful ways. AI has the potential to be a tool for the benefit of both employees and employers, however the infancy of the tool seems to make some employees uncertain.