Why do 64% of Poles feel undervalued at work? Results of the 2025 report
The latest report “Do you feel appreciated?” reveals alarming data: as many as 64% of Polish employees do not feel appreciated in their workplace. This is an increase of 1 percentage point compared to last year. A study conducted by Enpulse, a platform for studying employee engagement, and Nais, a modular platform for valuing and rewarding employees, shows that the culture of appreciation in Polish companies is in a state of crisis, which can have serious consequences for both employees and organizations.
The state of appreciation in Polish organizations
Statistics from the report “Do you feel appreciated? 2025 is alarming. Only 36% of Poles feel valued in the workplace, while 64% do not share this experience. The situation worsened compared to the previous year, when 63% of employees declared a lack of appreciation.
Of particular concern are the data on the frequency of appreciation. A quarter of those surveyed admit that they have never been appreciated at work, and 43% believe that expressing appreciation is rare in their workplace. Only 8% of respondents experience appreciation every day, 11% once a week, 12% once a month, and 14% at least once a quarter. These figures clearly indicate that appreciation in the workplace is not a common practice in Polish companies, which can lead to a number of negative consequences.
Reasons for the lack of appreciation of employees
The report identifies several key reasons for such a widespread lack of appreciation. One of the main ones is the significant discrepancy between the preferred forms of appreciation and those that employees actually receive. While most employees expect financial bonuses as a token of appreciation, in reality they are most often met with verbal praise.
Lack of appreciation is often associated with insufficient support from leaders. The report points to disparities in the valuation of different groups. As Magda Pietkiewicz, labor market expert and creator of the Enpulse platform, notes: “From lack of appreciation to indifference and unequal treatment, the road is not far away.”
Differences in the appreciation of different groups of employees
The report also reveals significant differences in employee appreciation by demographic group. The situation is worst among older workers: 67% of those over 60 never receive any form of recognition. This is an alarming signal that experience and long-term work are not adequately appreciated in Polish companies.
The study also shows that many employees expect better-tailored benefits. Different generations (Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Z, Silversi) have different expectations of the workplace and forms of appreciation at work. This aspect also requires attention from employers.
Consequences of Lack of Appreciation in the Workplace
Underestimating employees has serious consequences. The report highlights that lack of recognition leads to reduced motivation, lower productivity and higher employee turnover. As Tomasz Józefacki, CEO of Nais, notes: “Building a culture of appreciation is not a cost — it is an investment. Organizations that do it well not only retain key people, they create an environment that inspires and engages.”
According to the study, appreciation has a positive effect on employees: 35% of respondents indicate that it makes them feel that their work is important, 28% emphasize an increase in commitment and 18% notice an improvement in self-esteem. This shows how important it is to properly value employees for building a healthy organizational culture.
Recommendations for Effective Appreciation
The experts cited in the report provide a number of recommendations that can help organizations improve a culture of appreciation. First and foremost, they recommend implementing a strategic, three-tiered approach to valuation and treating it as an investment rather than a cost.
The study shows that appreciation from superiors is crucial for effectiveness. It is therefore important to make leaders aware of their role in building a culture of appreciation. As Magda Pietkiewicz emphasizes: “Appreciation is no longer just a nice gesture — it becomes the foundation of effective management.”
Experts also recommend developing differentiated and inclusive employee appreciation strategies that take into account individual needs and expectations. It is important to use a variety of forms of appreciation: intangible, material and financial.
Building a Culture of Appreciation
Report “Do you feel appreciated?” clearly shows that the state of appreciation in Polish companies needs a decisive improvement. Building a culture of appreciation requires a systematic, thoughtful approach and incorporating it into the DNA of the organization.
It is crucial to understand that employee appreciation is not just a matter of well-being, but a strategic tool that influences team effectiveness and staff loyalty. Organizations that successfully build a culture of appreciation experience higher retention and higher productivity.
More detailed information can be found in report “Do you feel appreciated?”, which comprehensively analyzes the state of appreciation in Polish companies and presents concrete strategies for improving this situation.
