When Recognition Feels Real, Culture Thrives: The Quiet Power of Genuine Appreciation at Work

Employee appreciation is getting a much-needed rethink. Between hybrid teams, retention pressures, and a rising demand for authenticity at work, HR leaders are being asked to prove that recognition isn’t just a line item. According to Gallup, employees who feel they receive the right level of recognition are four times more likely to be engaged at work—clear evidence that thoughtful appreciation is no longer a “nice to have,” but a driver of performance and culture.

So, what does authentic appreciation look like today? How can HR leaders move from perfunctory gestures to meaningful recognition that fuels connection and retention?

Fort Worth’s HRSouthwest Conference 2025 brought together HR leaders, culture strategists, and industry innovators to tackle one pressing theme: how to keep people genuinely connected at work. At the MarketScale booth, Daniel Litwin, the Voice of B2B, sat down with Keriann Wall, Sales Specialist at Corporate Traditions, to explore what authentic employee appreciation looks like in today’s workplace. Their discussion cut through the buzzwords, focusing on how organizations can move beyond “check-the-box” recognition to foster everyday acts of connection and gratitude that actually resonate.

Top insights…

• Personalization Over Perks: Employees value recognition that reflects who they are—not one-size-fits-all rewards. Platforms like Corporate Traditions let recipients choose from 500+ retailers, making appreciation truly personal.
• Connection Is the New Currency: Wall emphasizes that authentic HR begins with real relationships. Leaders must understand individual strengths and needs to build teams that thrive.
• Value Beyond Money: From handwritten notes to words of acknowledgment, small gestures can transform workplace culture and reinforce belonging—no budget required.

Keriann Wall is a Sales Specialist at Corporate Traditions and a seasoned expert in talent optimization and employee engagement, with a career spanning over a decade in HR technology and workforce solutions. Before joining Corporate Traditions, she spent nearly nine years with ApplicantPro, where she helped employers streamline recruiting, onboarding, and performance management through customized hiring platforms. Known for her trade show expertise and relationship-driven approach, Wall continues to champion meaningful recognition and people-first strategies that strengthen workplace culture.

Article written by MarketScale.