<h1>Employee recognition drives motivation, trust and retention, reshaping workplace culture and fostering inclusivity.</h1> Recognition of employee work operates as a strategic organisational lever that boosts motivation, trust, retention and business performance. High-recognition cultures are associated with increased employee motivation, positive workplace perceptions, innovation and intent to stay. Recognition should be intentional and inclusive across gender, generation, role and tenure to build pride, belonging and perceptions of fairness; leadership-supported recognition programmes form part of core employee experience and organisational policy on rewards and inclusion.