Frequently recognizing employees for their efforts and achievements can decrease the likelihood of workplace injuries among French workers by up to 50%, according to new research. This is a key finding from O.C. Tanner’s 2025 Global Culture Report, which gathered data and insights from 38,075 workers from 27 countries including 1,208 from France.
The report highlights how feeling unappreciated worsens mental health, which then increases the likelihood of workplace accidents.
“There’s a clear link between deteriorating mental health and greater instances of workplace injuries, with mental illness often leading to decreased concentration, reduced cognitive function, and impaired decision-making abilities,” explained Robert Ordever, European MD of O.C. Tanner. “Workers struggling with their mental health have their condition worsened when they feel unappreciated by their managers and colleagues.”
The report highlights how regularly recognizing employees for their efforts and achievements, not only improves workers’ wellbeing, but noticeably reduces the odds of them reporting a workplace accident. Employees suffering from burnout are 50% less likely to have a workplace accident when their organization has a formal recognition program in place.
For those workers with probable depression, their odds of reporting a workplace accident are 11% when their organization is without a recognition program. For workers with probable depression but whose companies do have a recognition program, their odds of reporting a workplace accident are reduced to just 8%.
“Implementing a recognition program that allows all employees to regularly express gratitude to colleagues, not only reduces the likelihood of burnout, anxiety, and depression, but also cuts the number of workplace injuries,” commented Ordever. “But it’s important to note that having a recognition program is not enough in itself. The organization must champion the giving of appreciation on a daily basis, and encourage recognition that’s sincere, tailored to the individual and meaningful. When the importance of recognition is understood and prioritized, organizations can enjoy truly impactful business outcomes.”
The O.C. Tanner Institute uses multiple research methods to support its Global Culture Report, including interviews, focus groups, cross-sectional surveys, and a longitudinal survey. Qualitative findings came from 27 focus groups among employees, leaders, and HR practitioners of larger organizations.