75% of employees ready to leave if employer removes rewards & recognition: Report

Only 15% of managers are recognising their team members, even though 85% of employees say they will repeat positive behaviours if recognised in time, according to a new global study by the Achievers Workforce Institute (AWI). 

The report, titled 2026 Engagement and Retention Report, reveals a deepening crisis in workplaces worldwide. Only one in four employees feels appreciated, just 26% report being engaged, and fewer than half plan to stay with their current employer. 

This comes at a time when 34% of employees plan to look for a new job in 2026, and only 25% see a long-term future with their organisation. The cost of this growing disengagement is enormous. 

In the United States alone, AWI estimates next year’s attrition could cost between $1.3 trillion and $5.1 trillion. 

Across APAC, the disconnect is even sharper. Employees feel increasingly undervalued, unsupported, and misaligned with their organisations. 

The APAC edition of the report, based on insights from 450 employees and 325 HR professionals across Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, warns of a region losing its sense of purpose, and preparing to move on. 

Disengagement is gradually translating directly into talent mobility. 37% of APAC employees plan to job hunt in 2026, and globally, 56% of workers are considering leaving Drivers include lack of recognition, weak leadership connection, and unfair compensation 

Recognition emerged as one of the most powerful predictors of loyalty and engagement. Employees in APAC who receive weekly recognition are 15x more likely to feel appreciated and engaged.

Frequent recognition reduces job search intent by 45% Only 10% of APAC employees have regular 1:1s with managers, a major missed opportunity. 

Globally, recognition is fading, as just 23% of employees feel meaningfully recognised, and only 15% receive weekly recognition. Manager-led recognition, the most influential, has also slipped to 15%. 

The impact is stark, as only 28% of highly appreciated employees are job-hunting, compared to 71% of those who feel undervalued. 

“Recognition doesn’t just make employees feel good, it strengthens relationships, builds trust, and reduces turnover risk,” the report emphasises. 

Employees who feel appreciated are 17x more likely to see a long-term career at their company. And 85% repeat positive behaviour when recognised. “When employees feel seen and supported, they’re more likely to stay, and more likely to thrive,” the report notes. 

According to the report, recognition is not the only gap in the workplaces today. Fair compensation is also a key challenge, as only 13% of APAC employees feel fairly paid for their work. And globally, just 17% feel fairly compensated. 

75% employees say removing rewards would influence their decision to leave, urging employers to take a quick action. 

The report outlines clear, evidence-backed actions that APAC organisations can take to rebuild connection and retention: 

With APAC’s workforce in flux, the report warns that organisations that respond decisively will have the advantage. As majority of businesses across the region navigate upredictable work dynamics, and are setting straight strategic priorities for 2026. 

“The takeaway is simple: appreciation isn’t optional, it’s a strategic lever for engagement and retention,” the report states. “When appreciation is embedded in culture, engagement follows, and so does retention.” Even if organizations are planning to slowdown hirings next year.