Recognition of good work eases productivity anxiety of employees

“Understanding and addressing these gaps is essential for companies to foster a fair, supportive, and productive work environment for all employees.”

Ms Graham said that while most company policies for ways of working are gender-neutral, certain roles in specific sectors can exhibit gender imbalances.

“What surprises me in our research is the evolving work arrangements and their correlation to productivity,” she said. “Previous research pointed to employees feeling more productive working remotely, but this new data from our Human Workplace Index shows that Irish employees feel more productive in the office.

“Remote workers have previously reported feeling more siloed, which can have negative effects on their overall wellbeing as well, and hence might be one of the reasons workers now prefer to work in the office.”

This productivity dynamic shifts for women, however, who express feeling more productive when working remotely. This insight underscores the importance of having hybrid work arrangements.

“When you have a combination of onsite and remote, this elevates the different experiences from a communications, leadership and culture perspective, whilst also creating a balance that caters to individual preferences,” she added.

Many employers are taking effective actions. Nearly half of employees report receiving wellness benefits or perks in addition to standard benefits and say they improve their overall wellbeing, but men are more than twice as likely to have access to perks like gym memberships, healthy snacks, and in-office wellness spaces compared to women.

Some 65% of Irish employees cited work-life balance is highlighted as the most important aspect of workplace wellbeing. Some 31% believe that companies facilitating work-life balance are more successful in fostering employee-employer trust, but there are significant disparities in the distribution of wellness benefits between men and women.

What are some of the telltale signs and what can be done to help the situation?

Niamh Graham advises: “Employees suppressing their opinions, self-isolating, and missing goals or deadlines are telltale signs of productivity anxiety. Additionally, a disengaged workforce and noticeably reduced innovation across the organization can occur as employees become risk-averse and fatigued.

“With recognition being the number one factor Irish employees stated that can help reduce their anxiety, implementing a robust recognition program is essential to create a positive work environment and help mitigate the negative impacts of productivity anxiety.”

Recognition is key to offsetting the productivity anxiety of employees. It not only boosts morale, but also reinforces positive behaviours, encouraging employees to strive for excellence.

“Recognition can improve job satisfaction, enhance engagement, and foster a sense of community within the workplace,” says Niamh Graham. “Regular recognition can also reduce feelings of isolation and stress, as employees feel seen and appreciated for their efforts, ultimately leading to a more motivated and cohesive workforce.”