New WorldatWork Survey Trends in Employee Recognition 2008



A survey released this week by WorldatWork (http://www.worldatwork.org) shows employee recognition continues to be important to employers. 89 percent of companies use recognition programs as part of their human resources strategy, up from 84 percent in 2002. 96 percent report their recognition strategy aligns with their organization strategy.

The top three recognition programs are:

-- Length of service (86%)

-- Above and beyond (79%)

-- Peer-to-peer (42%)

Top tangible recognition awards presented to employees include:

--Certificates and/or plaques (78%)

--Cash (60%)

--Gift certificates (51%)

Companies today are realizing there are some tangible benefits to having recognition programs in place. The most common objectives for having recognition programs include:

--Create a positive work environment (77%)

-- Motivate high performance (71%)

-- Create a culture of recognition (69%)

"In the current tug of war between workers' demands for higher wages to pay for higher living costs and companies looking to cut costs, recognition programs play a key role in creating a positive environment," said Alison Avalos, the practice leader for WorldatWork who focuses on recognition. "As such, we expect budgets for recognition programs - currently at 2.7 percent of payroll - to rise steadily. It will continue to be a critical component of an organization's total rewards toolkit."

Key survey findings:

--81% of organizations do not have a formal training program for managers about the organization's recognition programs

--64% of survey respondents have a budget for recognition programs

--58% of survey respondents report that their HR department administers the majority of their company's recognition programs

--52% of organizations do not have a written strategy behind their recognition programs

--47% of organizations are considering implementing new or additional recognition programs in the next 12 months

--36% of organizations do not measure the success of their recognition programs

About the Survey

The 2008 WorldatWork "Trends in Employee Recognition" survey was conducted in December 2007. Surveys were sent electronically to a random representative sample of 4,617 WorldatWork members in the United States. There were a total of 554 responses received for a 12-percent response rate. The survey's margin of error should not exceed +/- 3 percent.

Journalists may request a complimentary copy of the full survey report by contacting Marcia Rhodes, marcia.rhodes@worldatwork.org or (480) 304-6885.

About WorldatWork

The Total Rewards Association

WorldatWork (www.worldatwork.org) is an association of human resource professionals from FORTUNE 500 and other leading organizations worldwide focused on attracting, motivating and retaining employees.

Founded in 1955, WorldatWork provides practitioners with training and education to effectively design and implement strategies and practices in total rewards, including compensation, benefits, work-life, recognition, and career development. With offices in Scottsdale, Arizona and Washington, D.C., WorldatWork supports its 30,000 members and professionals in 75 countries with thought leadership, publications, research and community. WorldatWork administers certification through the WorldatWork Society of Certified Professionals.

Press Contact:

Marcia Rhodes, APR

Media Relations

WorldatWork

Phone: 480-304-6885

E-mail: marcia.rhodes @ worldatwork.org

www.worldatwork.org

This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.





New WorldatWork Survey Trends in Employee Recognition 2008