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15 employee recognition survey questions to ask in 2025

Last updated November 2024

Employee recognition surveys are essential tools for gauging the effectiveness of your recognition tools and programs and understanding employee satisfaction levels.

Yet, designing effective recognition survey questions can be challenging, especially if you’re new to it, or unsure about what questions to ask.

Here, we’ll provide you with insightful examples of recognition survey questions and a template that you can download for free.

With these examples, you can be confident that you’re asking the right questions to develop a meaningful recognition strategy that resonates with your employees.

Let’s dive in.

Download a copy of these questions (PDF)

What is an employee recognition survey?

An employee recognition survey is a questionnaire used by organisations to gather feedback from employees regarding their recognition experiences, achievements, and suggestions around appreciation within the workplace.

Recognition surveys aim to measure the effectiveness of recognition programs, identify how employees prefer to receive recognition, and celebrate employee contributions.

By conducting these surveys regularly, companies can create a culture of appreciation, boost employee morale, and enhance overall employee engagement.

 

Why asking the right retention questions is so important

Research has shown time and time again that asking the right retention questions is crucial for maintaining a motivated and engaged workforce.

According to a Gallup poll, employees who feel recognised are more likely to be engaged at work – resulting in a 21% greater profitability for their organisations compared to their less engaged counterparts.

So not only is recognition impactful on an individual level, but it’s also impact on an organisational level too.

When you prioritise asking the right questions about recognition and other retention factors, you will identify areas to enhance employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and ultimately drive organisational success.

It’s simply about understanding what matters most to your employees and using this information to create a workplace where everyone feels appreciated.

quotation mark I had one of the managers ring me just after we launched Shout-outs, she said she had read one sent to her and cried with happiness. That will always stick with me. Stribe is definitely impactful on an individual basis and an organisational one. quotation mark

Joanne Bohan, Head of HR at Wigan and Leigh College

How do you ask employees how they like to be recognised?

The secret to giving successful recognition is being authentic and personalised.

Not everyone likes to receive thanks in the same way (and that’s okay!).

It’s important to take the time to get to know how your individual team members prefer their recognition.

By doing so, you can create a more inclusive and effective recognition program that resonates with your employees.

Here are a few effective ways to gather this valuable feedback:

  • Pulse surveys

Use pulse surveys to directly ask staff about their preferred recognition methods. Include specific questions about types of recognition, such as public praise, monetary rewards, or additional time off, to gain insights into individual preferences.

 

  • Groups discussions

Organise team focus group sessions where employees can openly discuss and share their thoughts on recognition practices. Encourage participants to provide examples of meaningful recognition they have received in the past and what made it special for them.

 

  • 1-2-1 meetings

Schedule personal meetings between managers and employees to chat about career goals, achievements, and preferences for recognition. This personalised approach will allow managers to build stronger relationships with their team members and tailor recognition efforts accordingly.

15 examples of employee recognition survey questions to ask your team 

We’ve pulled together a list of some common recognition question examples.

Feel free to use this an employee recognition survey template or simply as a starting point for building your own questionnaire.

 

General survey questions about employee recognition

These basic questions aim to provide a general understanding and measurement of employees’ feelings towards recognition in your workplace.

 

  • Do you feel recognised for your contributions at work?
    Answer type: 1 – 10
    Follow-up question: Can you share why you feel this way?

 

  • How important is it to you to feel recognised at work?
    Answer type: 1 – 10
    Follow-up question: Can you share why you feel this way?

 

  • Overall, how satisfied are you with the recognition programmes at our company?
    Answer type: 1 – 10
    Follow-up question: What changes or improvements could make you score higher?

 

 

Survey questions about recognition preferences

These questions aim to gather insights into employees’ personal preferences and feelings around how they like to receive recognition.

 

  • How important is public recognition to you?
    Answer type: 1 – 10
    Follow-up question: Can you share why you feel this way?

 

  • How do you prefer to be recognised for your achievements?
    Answer type: Multiple choice
    Follow-up question: Please share why you feel this way.

 

  • How often do you like to receive recognition?
    Answer type: Multiple choice
    Follow-up question: Please share why you feel this way.

 

  • Whose recognition matters most to you?
    Answer type: Multiple choice (e.g. peers, managers, senior leadership)
    Follow-up question: Please share why you feel this way.

 

 

Survey questions about reward and recognition

These questions help to get feedback about what types of rewards employees find most motivating, helping you design effective and meaningful recognition programs. 

 

  • Which type of reward motivates you most?
    Answer type: Multiple choice (e.g. monetary, extra time off, career promotions)
    Follow-up question: How does this affect your overall satisfaction at work?

 

  • Which type of reward motivates you least?
    Answer type: Multiple choice (e.g. monetary, extra time off, career promotions)
    Follow-up question: How does this affect your overall satisfaction at work?

 

  • How much do non-monetary rewards motivate you?
    Answer type: 1 – 10
    Follow-up question: Can you share why you feel this way?

 

  • How happy are you with the current rewards and recognition program offered at the company?
    Answer type: 1 – 10
    Follow-up question: What changes or improvements could make you score higher?

 

 

Survey questions about feeling appreciated

These questions help you to understand employees’ perceptions of feeling appreciated and valued, providing insights into areas where and how you can enhance recognition efforts.

 

  • Do you feel appreciated by your manager?
    Answer type: 1 – 10
    Follow-up question: Can you share why you feel this way?

 

  • Do you feel appreciated by your peers?
    Answer type: 1 – 10
    Follow-up question: Can you share why you feel this way?

 

  • How comfortable do you feel sharing your achievements with your team?
    Answer type: 1 – 10
    Follow-up question: Can you share why you feel this way?

 

  • How would you rate the overall level of appreciation in your current work environment?
    Answer type: 1 – 10
    Follow-up question: What changes or improvements could make you score higher?

 

 

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About the author

jade madeley
Jade Madeley

Starting out her early career as a journalist, Jade Madeley is an accomplished content writer with 8+ years’ experience across business, personal finance, SaaS, human resources and employee engagement. Working with Stribe, she crafts insightful content that brings complex HR topics to life and drives meaningful action.

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