83% of Employees Say Praise Matters More Than Ever in the Age of AI

A new national survey reaffirms that human connection remains essential as workplaces
augment and automate workflows

ATLANTA, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new national survey of more than 1,000 employed workers from Rewardian finds that 83% of U.S. employees say praise is more important than ever in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), reaffirming that human connection remains essential even as workplaces augment and automate workflows.

Nearly 60% of respondents say AI-tailored recognition, such as personalized praise alerts, is just as meaningful as recognition from a manager, challenging the belief that AI lacks authenticity and personalization. At the same time, nearly 75% report they are more likely to stay at a company where AI and humans work together on recognition and engagement, signaling a strong link for business leaders to consider.

"AI can streamline work, but it cannot replace the human need to feel seen and valued," said Andrew Mitchell, CEO of Rewardian. "Our findings show that recognition, whether from a manager or supported by AI, is what drives loyalty, performance and culture. Companies that get this right will stand out as employers of choice."

Beyond retention, the research points to AI's role in reducing stress and building trust. More than two-thirds of employees said they feel more supported and less stressed since AI became part of their workflow. And 76% said their company is transparent about how AI impacts employee experience and performance evaluations.

Recognition becomes even more essential when automation increases, with three in four employees saying that when AI takes over routine tasks, feedback from managers is crucial to maintain engagement. Without consistent acknowledgment, employees risk feeling disconnected despite the efficiencies AI delivers.

Findings also highlight key moments in the employee journey. More than half of employees prefer AI to handle initial interview screenings, viewing the process as fair and transparent. Onboarding experiences that combined technology with regular human check-ins were reported as the most effective. And while two-thirds of respondents said AI has supported their professional development in the past 90 days, recognition continues to be the factor that sustains motivation and loyalty.

Read more about the survey findings here.

Methodology

Rewardian surveyed 1,020 U.S. employed workers across demographics, industries, and seniority levels. Respondents represented a balanced mix of gender (49.85% male, 49.36% female, 0.49% non-binary, 0.29% prefer not to say), age groups (18–24 through 55+), job levels (entry-level through C-suite), and tenure at their current job. The survey was conducted in August 2025.

About Rewardian

Rewardian is a global employee recognition and engagement platform designed to help companies build a culture of appreciation, connection and performance. With a flexible and customizable approach, Rewardian offers tools that support recognition at every level of the organization, from peer-to-peer praise to enterprise-wide reward strategies. Its secure, scalable technology platform empowers clients to increase engagement, reinforce values and drive measurable business impact. For more information and to request a demo, visit rewardian.com and follow on LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Rewardian Media Team
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[email protected]

SOURCE Rewardian