Registered Nurses and Meaningful Recognition: Contemporary Preferences of a Diverse Workforce

Abstract

Background: Meaningful recognition acknowledges the value of individuals' professional contributions to an organization's work. Long recognized as necessary to retain nurses, it includes formal awards programs, informal feedback processes, salary, and scheduling flexibility. With demographic characteristics of the nursing workforce changing, new research is needed to understand how contemporary nurses view meaningful recognition.

Objectives: To evaluate nurses' perceptions of meaningful recognition and the health of their work environment and to explore associations between demographic characteristics and meaningful recognition preferences.

Methods: Participants were registered nurses from a large, urban health care system. Study instruments included the Meaningful Recognition Questionnaire, Healthy Work Environment Assessment Tool, and open-ended questions. Analysis of variance was used to test associations between demographics and meaningful recognition preferences.

Results: Surveys were completed by 565 nurses (mean [SD] age, 43 [11] years; 521 women [92.2%]). Salary was the most valued form of recognition, followed by private verbal feedback and written acknowledgment. Unlike earlier studies, professional development opportunities were the least valued form of recognition, reflecting a shift in nurse preferences. Demographic differences influenced recognition preferences, highlighting the need for personalized and inclusive recognition programs.

Conclusions: Effective meaningful recognition is crucial to foster a healthy work environment and improve nurse retention. Updating recognition practices to align with evolving nurse preferences and demographic changes is essential to maintain a supportive and engaging work environment.