Employees Feeling Underappreciated Since Transition to Working From Home

A study of 2,000 Americans examined the importance of feeling appreciated at work, especially amid the struggles of 2020.

The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Motivosity, found more than half of employed respondents working from home revealed they haven’t felt much gratitude from their job since they stopped commuting. Seven in 10 said they’re working more and harder than ever before.

More than two-thirds (68%) of those working from home said they feel unmotivated to work since everything they do seems to go unnoticed. Of those ready to cut back, 29% said they will only do what’s expected of them and one-quarter (26%) said they will just take their time completing assignments.

Seven in 10 said appreciation means the most when it comes from a manager or executive. When asked what they would love to hear more at work, a simple “thank you” (34%) topped the list. “I appreciate you doing that” (32%) and “that was helpful” (28%) came in second and third place. “Your time is valuable” (27%) and “you went above expectations on this” (25%) rounded out the top five.

“More than 74% of employees indicated that their mental health is tied to how much they feel appreciated at work. Successful employers will have a meaningful plan to address that,” said Scott Johnson, founder of Motivosity.