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75 Employee Recognition Quotes Every Manager Should Know In 2024

By January 6th, 2024 7 Comments

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Few things produce a greater return on investment than the low- or zero-cost act of recognizing your employees. Even if you don’t have the budget for a formal recognition program, the casual act of praise can significantly increase your employees’ happiness. In fact, research shows that receiving praise boosts activity in brain areas related to rewards, positive emotions, and decision making.

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We know you know employee recognition is a good idea, but a little inspiration never hurts, right? These employee recognition quotes from business leaders and all-around awesome people will get you pumped to pursue your recognition strategy with renewed enthusiasm.

1. “Mary Kay knew that when you put people first and then surround them with processes and disciplines that recognize their efforts, performance will soar.” – David C. Novak, founder and CEO of oGoLead

Takeaway: Nurture people to nurture performance.

 

2. “I have always believed that the way you treat your employees is the way they will treat your customers, and that people flourish when they are praised.” – Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group

Takeaway: Treat employees as well as you treat your customers.

 

3. “The role of the CEO is to enable people to excel, help them discover their own wisdom, engage themselves entirely in their work, and accept responsibility for making change.” – Vineet Nayar, author of Employees First, Customers Second: Turning Conventional Management Upside Down

Takeaway: CEOs have the power to inspire employees.

The role of the CEO is to enable people to excel, help them discover their own wisdom, engage themselves entirely in their work, and accept responsibility for making change. Share on X

 

4. “Motivating employees to work at their full potential is the main premise of successful management.”
– Eraldo Banovac, Croatian author and professor

Takeaway: Company success depends on maximally engaged employees.

 

5. “If you do not treat people with the respect they deserve, do not expect any kind of commitment to your productivity goals and target.” – Ian Fuhr, founder and CEO of the Sorbet group

Takeaway: Disrespected employees do not work hard.

 

6. “You’ve got to get your team to not only understand your company brand, but also to understand their personal brand.” – Amber Hurdle, author of The Bombshell Business Woman: How to Become a Bold, Brave, and Successful Female Entrepreneur

Takeaway: Good leaders set a vision against which employees execute.

quote-amber-hurdle

 

7. “Realize that employees and the customers both have to be engaged, at the same time, to move your business forward for sustainable success.” Robert G. Thompson, author of Hooked on Customers: The Five Habits of Legendary Customer-Centric Companies

Takeaway: Long-term success depends on both employees and customers.

 

8. “In behavioral economic terms, when we offer recognition we are acknowledging that the recipients have met a social ideal. They are behaving in a certain manner because they believe is the right thing to do. If we then recognize that behavior with praise or appreciation, we offer a confirmation that their behavior is desirable, and do so in a manner that recipients find meaningful.” – Cindy Ventrice, author of Make Their Day! Employee Recognition that Works

Takeaway: Culture consists of the things employees do when the boss isn’t looking.

 

9. “When a manager recognizes an employee’s behavior, personally and sincerely, both feel proud,
gratified, and happy. There’s a human connection that transcends the immediate culture to create a shared bond. The power of this bond is stronger than you might think; indeed, it’s the power that holds
together great organizational cultures.” – Erik Mosley and Derek Irvine, co-authors of The Power of Thanks: How Social Recognition Empowers Employees and Creates a Best Place to Work

Takeaway: Recognition holds a company together.

👉 Get Your Free Guide To Modern Employee Recognition

10. “If you don’t create a great, rewarding place for people to work, they won’t do great work.” – Ari Weinzweig, co-founder of Zingermans Deli

Takeaway: Recognition leads to excellent work.

If you don’t create a great, rewarding place for people to work, they won’t do great work. Share on X

 

11. “Take time to appreciate employees and they will reciprocate in a thousand ways.”Dr. Bob Nelson, best-selling author and motivational speaker

Takeaway: Recognition yields high returns.

 

12.People may take a job for more money, but they often leave it for more recognition.”Dr. Bob Nelson, best-selling author and motivational speaker

Takeaway: By recognizing, you retain.

 

13. “Nothing is more effective than sincere, accurate praise, and nothing is more lame than a cookie-cutter compliment.” – Bill Walsh, American football coach

Takeaway: Provide truly thoughtful compliments.

quote-bill-walsh

 

14. “Correction does much, but encouragement does more.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German writer and statesman

Takeaway: Encourage employees to do their best work.

 

15. “If people did not compliment one another there would be little society.” – Luc de Clapiers, French writer

Takeaway: A little compliment goes a long way.

 

16. “What every genuine philosopher (every genuine man, in fact) craves most is praise — although the philosophers generally call it ‘recognition’!” – William James, American philosopher and psychologist

Takeaway: Peer to peer recognition fulfills a deep human need.

What every genuine philosopher (every genuine man, in fact) craves most is praise -- although the philosophers generally call it ‘recognition’! Share on X

 

17. “The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked me what I thought, and attended to my answer.” – Henry David Thoreau, American writer

Takeaway: Listen carefully.

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18. “It’s very inexpensive to give a compliment.” – Joyce Meyer, Christian author

Takeaway: Give compliments liberally.

 

19. “Employees who report receiving recognition and praise within the last seven days show increased productivity, get higher scores from customers, and have better safety records. They’re just more engaged at work.” – Tom Rath, employee engagement consultant

Takeaway: If you want to improve engagement, then offer recognition.

 

20. “Especially when you’re at a high level in an organization, criticism can be devastating to an employee. I prefer to praise employees for what they’re doing right, and it tends to lead to them doing more of the same. Not always, but it’s the way I choose to bet.” – Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group

Takeaway: When you let employees know they’re doing thing right, they’ll keep doing things right.

 

21. “Praise does wonders for our sense of hearing.” – Arnold H. Glasow, businessman

Takeaway: Praise is the best way to get employees’ attention.

quote-arnold-glasow

 

22. “Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise. They’re absolutely free and worth a fortune.” – Sam Walton, founder of Walmart

Takeaway: Praise is priceless.

 

23. “Note how good you feel after you have encouraged someone else. No other argument is necessary to suggest that never miss the opportunity to give encouragement.” – George Adams, American football player

Takeaway: Recognition and encouragement make everyone feel good.

Note how good you feel after you have encouraged someone else. No other argument is necessary to suggest that never miss the opportunity to give encouragement. Share on X

 

24. “I became involved in employee recognition by working. Everyone that has a job is involved in recognition, either through giving recognition to their employees or by receiving recognition from their employer. The sad fact is that most of us have been on the non-receiving end.” – Christi L. Gibson, executive director of Recognition Professionals International (RPI), formerly NAER

Takeaway: Employee recognition affects everyone who works.

👉 Get Your Free Guide To Modern Employee Recognition

25. “Being told something positive about yourself, whether from someone you’re close to, or a passing acquaintance, should really lift the spirits. Just the fact that someone has taken the time to let you know, should have you feeling noticed and appreciated.” – Paul Bailey, author of Your Little Steps to Self Confidence for Life

Takeaway: Your recognition makes people happy.

 

26. “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” – G.K. Chesteron, English writer

Takeaway: Praise and recognition require enlightenment.

quote-GK-cheston

 

27. “Appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts.” – Alan Cohen, inspirational author

Takeaway: Recognition emanates goodness.

 

28. “Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” – Voltaire, French Enlightenment writer

Takeaway: Through recognition, you can partake in someone else’s excellence.

 

29. “Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life.” – Northrup Christiane, obstetrician-gynecologist

Takeaway: Recognition opens doors.

Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life. Share on X

 

30. “Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot.” – Hansa Proverb

Takeaway: Recognize even the small things.

 

31. “It is a sign of mediocrity when you demonstrate gratitude with moderation.” – Roberto Benigni, Italian actor

Takeaway: To be a great leader, you must recognize others.

 

32. “Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy.” – Jacques Maritain, French philosopher

Takeaway: Recognition is a form of gratitude.

 

33. “Feeling gratitude, and not expressing it, is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward, inspirational author

Takeaway: There’s no reason not to express gratitude.

quote-william-arthur-ward

 

34. “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy.” – Marcel Proust, French writer

Takeaway: Don’t take people for granted.

 

35. “Silent gratitude isn’t much to anyone.” – Gertrude Stein, American writer

Takeaway: Express your gratitude.

 

36. “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” – Ken Blanchard, American writer

Takeaway: Feedback feeds greatness.

Feedback is the breakfast of champions. Share on X

 

37. “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” – Ken Blanchard, American writer

Takeaway: Inspire people to follow you by practicing recognition.

 

38. “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”Simon Sine, author of Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t

Takeaway: Focus on inspiring others.

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. Share on X

 

39. “Great companies don’t hire skilled people and motivate them, they hire already motivated people and inspire them.” – Simon Sinek, author of Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

Takeaway: Inspire your motivated workers.

👉 Get Your Free Guide To Modern Employee Recognition

40. “Life isn’t about getting and having; it’s about giving and being.” – Kevin Kruse, Princeton professor

Takeaway: Give more.

quote-william-kevin-kruse

 

41. “Even a brief interaction can change the way people think about themselves, their leaders, and the future. Each of those many connections you make has the potential to become a high point or a low point in someone’s day.” – Douglas Conant, American businessman

Takeaway: Small things make a difference.

 

42. “I have found that the more I honored others, the more they honored me and the more fulfilling my career became. In the business arena, I have been surrounded by people with awesome skills. The difference between good and great is determined by the mindset you choose to bring to the work. The concept of honor should be part of that mindset.” – Douglas Conant, American businessman

Takeaway: Recognition is fulfilling.

I have found that the more I honored others, the more they honored me and the more fulfilling my career became. In the business arena, I have been surrounded by people with awesome skills. The difference between good and great is… Share on X

 

43. “Paychecks can’t buy passion.” – Brad Federman, American author

Takeaway: Money isn’t the only motivator..

 

44. “Employees are a company’s greatest asset – they’re your competitive advantage. You want to attract and retain the best; provide them with encouragement, stimulus, and make them feel that they are an integral part of the company’s mission.” – Anne M. Mulcahy, former CEO of Xerox

Takeaway: Make employees feel as important as they are.

 

45. “People want to be appreciated, cared for, loved, trusted, and respected. But they also want to be understood, and if you master the skills to achieve that, you truly become exceptional.” – Joe Navarro, American author

Takeaway: Understand people to make yourself invaluable.

 

46. “Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy.” – Fred De Witt Van Amburgh, author

Takeaway: Recognition and gratitude “buy” a lot, yet cost nothing.

quote-william-fred-de-witt-van-amburgh

 

47. “At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” – Albert Schweitzer, French-German theologian

Takeaway: Recognition can deeply touch others.

 

48. “Keep your eyes open and try to catch people in your company doing something right, then praise them for it.” – Tom Hopkins, author

Takeaway: Reinforce good behavior instead of taking it for granted.

 

49. “You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson, American author

Takeaway: Act now.

You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late. Share on X

 

50. “Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.” – Randy Pausch, Carnegie Mellon professor

Takeaway: Don’t underestimate the power of gratitude

👉 Get Your Free Guide To Modern Employee Recognition

51. “Develop an attitude of gratitude. Say thank you to everyone you meet for everything they do for you.” – Brian Tracy, American-Canadian motivational speaker

Takeaway: Practice gratitude in all you do.

Develop an attitude of gratitude. Say thank you to everyone you meet for everything they do for you. Share on X

 

52. “Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it.” – Ralph Marston, American football player

Takeaway: Make recognition a habit.

 

53. “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.” – James Allen, writer

Takeaway: Don’t wait to recognize your employees.

 

54. “The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest.” – William Blake, English poet

Takeaway: Praise returns productivity.

quote-william-blake

 

55. “If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.” – W. Clement Stone, businessman

Takeaway: Share your appreciation.

 

56. “I think you need to love giving compliments as much as you love receiving them.” – Yami Gautam, India actress

Takeaway: Giving trumps receiving.

 

57. “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo F. Buscaglia, American author

Takeaway: Don’t underestimate the importance of recognition.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Share on X

 

58. “I was very pleased with your kind letter. Until now I never dreamed of being something like a hero. But since you’ve given me the nomination I feel that I am one.” – Albert Einstein, theoretical physicist

Takeaway: You have the power to reshape employees’ images of themselves.

 

59. “Thanks will be a worthless word until a person tells it from heart. When a person thanks someone with full heart then the word will be big and worthy word and will have full meaning to the person. Or else it will remain small and valueless word if a person says it just for saying.” – Salman Aziz

Takeaway: Be sincere in recognition.

 

60. “Don’t forget, a person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.” – H. Jackson Brown Jr., American author

Takeaway: It’s safe to assume all your employees want recognition.

Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated. Share on X

 

61. “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” – William James, American philosopher

Takeaway: Everyone loves praise.

👉 Get Your Free Guide To Modern Employee Recognition

62. “I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among my people the greatest asset I possess, and the way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.There is nothing else that so kills the ambitions of a person as criticism from superiors. I never criticize anyone. I believe in giving a person incentive to work. So I am anxious to praise but loath to find fault. If I like anything, I am hearty in my appreciation and lavish in my praise.” – Charles Schwab, founder of the Charles Schwab Corporation

Takeaway: Criticism kills productivity.

 

63. “There is nothing I need so much as nourishment for my Self Esteem.” – Alfred Lunt, American stage director

Takeaway: Consider praise vital nourishment.

quote-alfred-lunt

 

64. “The difference between appreciation and flattery? That is simple. One is sincere and the other insincere. One comes from the heart out; the other from the teeth out. One is unselfish; the other selfish. One is universally admired; the other universally condemned.” – Dale Carnegie, author of How to Win Friends and Influence People

Takeaway: Be thoughtful to avoid flattery.

 

65. “It does not matter who is in your team, what matters is who they will become because of you.” – Sunday Adelaja, pastor

Takeaway: You have influence.

It does not matter who is in your team, what matters is who they will become because of you. Share on X

 

66. “You become strong by lifting others up, not pulling them down.” – Matshona Dhliwayo, author

Takeaway: When you support others, you benefit as well.

 

67. “Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots.”
– Frank A. Clark, American politician

Takeaway: Be careful with criticism if you must give it.

 

68. “Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, What’s in it for me?” – Brian Tracy, American-Canadian motivational speaker

Takeaway: Be selfless.

quote-brian-tracy

 

69. “A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better.” – Jim Rohn, American entrepreneur

Takeaway: Be sure to serve everyone.

 

70. “You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins.” – Jim Stovall, American writer

Takeaway: Recognition echoes throughout the company.

You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins. Share on X

 

71. “People want to be understood and respected as individuals. Years ago, an executive editor of mine said, ‘You should count the number of times you praise somebody and then double that.’ Even the toughest, steeliest writer or editor often really wants to be told, ‘Hey, that was a great piece.’ Early in my career as a manager, it probably took me a while to realize that everyone wants that. It’s just a human need.” – Cindi Leive, editor-in-chief of Glamour

Takeaway: Strive to understand.

 

72. “People work for money but go the extra mile for recognition, praise, and rewards.”Dale Carnegie, author of How to Win Friends and Influence People

Takeaway: Money isn’t everything. When push comes to shove, the less tangible and people-centric actions of appreciation matter more.

 

73. “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States

Takeaway: Creating a culture of employee recognition starts from the top and works its way down.

 

74. “Employees who believe that management is concerned about them as a whole person, not just employees, are more productive, more satisfied, more fulfilled. Satisfied employees mean satisfied customers, which leads to profitability.”Anne M. Mulcahy, former CEO of Xerox

Takeaway: Perception is everything.

 

75. “When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute.”Simon Sinek, author of Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

Takeaway: Establishing a positive emotional connection inspires loyalty and productivity.

 

Which one was your favorite quote? Let us know in the comment section!

 

Employee Recognition & Appreciation Resources:

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Boost Your Employee Recognition Skills and Words (Templates Included)

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