Embedding Growth and Recognition into the Employee Experience (article 5 of 8)
April 3, 2025
Why Growth Matters
Have you ever stopped to think about how moments of learning and recognition have shaped your career? Maybe it was a leader who believed in you before you believed in yourself, a stretch assignment that changed your sense of what you could do, or a well-timed “thank you” that reminded you your work mattered.
These moments build confidence, purpose, and connection at work.
Now, imagine navigating your career alone. No mentorship, no development opportunities, no recognition. Would you have taken the same risks? Found the same motivation? Felt the same fulfillment?
The truth is, no one thrives through heads-down work alone. Growth and recognition are essential to helping people reach their full potential. Gallup reports that employees who feel their company invests in their development are 47% less likely to be job hunting. And when recognition is baked into company culture, voluntary turnover drops by 31% (Quantum Workplace).
Yet too often, learning and development are seen as too costly or time-consuming, so employees are left to figure it out alone. Sometimes there’s investment in training platforms, but the culture doesn’t support people stepping away to learn. In other cases, perfection is rewarded while mistakes are punished—so growth feels risky, and people keep it safe by not stretching themselves.
If we want people to grow, stay, and do their best work, development and recognition need to be a regular part of the culture.
🗝️ Key Takeaway: Prioritizing growth and recognition means creating clear development opportunities, offering regular feedback, and acknowledging contributions beyond big wins. When employees feel supported in their learning and valued for their efforts, they stay engaged, motivated, and committed to their work.
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