How Recognition can Transform Public Sector Teams

Learn how simple acts of appreciation can drive engagement, retention and success in the public sector 

We spend most of our lives at work, so it's no wonder we’re looking for more than just a paycheck. These days, people know exactly what they want from their jobs – and they're not afraid to ask for it. They want to feel valued, appreciated and like they actually matter. No one wants to be just another name on a rota or a cog in a machine. 

Think about it like this: you spend weeks planning a surprise party for a friend. You book the perfect place, get their favourite cake and invite everyone they love. When the big moment comes, they walk in… and just shrug. No reaction and no thanks. You’d probably think twice before going to that much effort for them again, right?  

That's exactly what it's like to give 100% at work and get zero recognition in return. 

But when employers take the time to celebrate achievements, milestones and life events, employees are:  

• 3x more likely to feel connected to their company culture 

• 3x more likely to feel their organisation cares about their wellbeing 

• 30% more likely to stick around for five years or more 

In the public sector, long hours, tight budgets and high-pressure environments come with the territory. Attracting talent can be tough and keeping hold of it even tougher. However, when people feel valued, they’re more motivated to stay on board and give their best. And when morale is high, organisations are in a better position to tackle sector-specific challenges with a team that's truly invested in their work.  

The real impact of recognition 

• Makes people feel valued: Recognition shows your team their worth 

• Keeps motivation up: A little praise goes a long way in driving results 

• Boosts teamwork: Appreciation makes people want to achieve success together  

• Elevates company culture: Recognition creates a supportive, positive work environment 

• Retains top talent: People who feel seen tend to stick around 

• Instils purpose: Recognition ties people's efforts to the bigger picture 

The power of appreciation in the public sector  

Now, let's look at how retention can help tackle some of the public sector's biggest challenges. From boosting morale to helping you hold onto your best people, showing appreciation can seriously shake things up for the better.  

Morale, motivation & engagement  

Low morale is a real struggle in the public sector. When employees put in long hours, juggle tough deadlines and handle emotionally draining work without feeling appreciated, they can quickly lose their spark and that ‘can-do’ attitude starts to slip. 

By giving recognition that feels personal and meaningful – making your people feel special, seen and heard – you can keep them motivated and make them see that the work they do really matters. 

Employees are 4x as likely to be engaged when recognition lands right  

Turnover  

High turnover is a tough one to crack, especially in the public sector. When people feel undervalued, they'll start looking for a company that does appreciate them – and they won’t hesitate to accept when that offer comes along.  

Regular recognition helps employees feel valued and see their importance in a real, tangible way – making them more likely to stick around. Plus, it's far cheaper to recognise and retain employees than it is to constantly replace them.  

A culture built on appreciation reassures employees that they are in the right place – meaning less turnover and fewer recruitment costs. 

Recognised employees are 56% less likely to look for job opportunities and 79% say recognition rewards would make them more loyal  

Productivity 

Recognition gives employees the boost they need to keep pushing the bar. It shows them that their hard work is noticed and makes them feel like it's worth giving 100% – every single day.  

Without recognition, people will do just enough to get by. They'll show up but won't really show up. This kind of presenteeism can drain productivity and your team's true potential will be left untapped.  

Recognition makes employees 14% more productive and companies 21% more profitable 

Innovation  

When recognition is lacking, employees don't feel like trying new things. Because why bother when your ideas aren't being valued? This leads to people getting stuck in the same old routine – and it's not just the workforce that suffers. Processes, customer journeys and experiences all start to plateau.  

But when you celebrate fresh ideas and out-of-the-box thinking, it gives people the confidence to take risks and share their big ideas. Suddenly, innovation goes from being encouraged to being contagious – and your organisation stays ahead of the curve as a result.  

Over 50% of employees feel recognition by senior leaders would incentivise them to innovate more 

Burnout 

Burnout has always plagued public sector workers. It's one thing to deal with a heavy workload and high stress – but when the work feels thankless, burnout become even harder to avoid.  

People need more than just a salary to stay afloat – they need to feel valued. Genuine appreciation and meaningful rewards can help take the edge off workplace pressures and give public sector employees the lift they need to keep going.  

And when those rewards actively support their work-life balance, it sends a clear signal that their hard work and their health matter. 

Employees who feel recognised are 73% less likely to experience burnout  

Part of the culture  

Recognition isn't just something to roll out on awareness days or post about on LinkedIn. If it's not genuine, your employees will see right through it. And it's not about making grand gestures or turning every little win into a full-blown street parade. What really matters is that recognition is: 

Genuine & regular: A quick, heartfelt “thank you” can go a long way 

Linked to your values: Make sure the recognition you're giving reflects the behaviours that matter to your organisation 

Accessible: Everyone should be able to give and receive recognition easily, no matter how or where they work. A simple, easy-to-use platform helps to make it second nature 

Led from the top: When leaders actively recognise their teams, it sets the tone for a culture where appreciation is the norm 

Making recognition a regular thing  

Recognition doesn't have to be complicated – it just needs to be consistent. Here are some simple but effective ways to make appreciation a natural part of your company culture:  

Do it daily: Don't wait for performance reviews – recognise great work as it happens 

Give real-value rewards: Gift cards or monetary perks show appreciation in a way that feels tangible and tailored  

Make it personal: Some employees love a public shoutout while others prefer a private thank you. Go with what makes them feel valued 

Celebrate personal & professional milestones: Birthdays, work anniversaries and big achievements are all moments that matter, so make sure they’re recognised 

Shout about big wins & small victories: Whether it's hitting a major target or smashing a meeting, a simple “well done” makes all the difference 

Turn everyday wins into meaningful moments with highfive 

Whether it’s acknowledging a big achievement or just saying thanks for a helping hand, Vivup highfive is an easy-to-use app that makes appreciation simple, consistent and meaningful. 

From instant peer-to-peer shoutouts to digital rewards redeemable at hundreds of retailers, highfive helps your people recognise each other in a way that truly resonates.  

With highfive, your employees can:  

• Celebrate each other’s successes 

• Feel warm & fuzzy when someone recognises them  

• Make appreciation part of the culture 

• Elevate team spirit 

• Boost morale & motivation 

• Feel more connected to their work tribe 

• Inspire others to pass on the positivity 

Want to learn more about supercharging recognition in your public sector organisation? Speak to us today.