As AI continues to grow and evolve in the workplace, one thing stays the same and that is the importance and power of recognition. Across job roles and age groups, our findings reveal that while technology can help us work faster and smarter, it’s human connection, powered by meaningful recognition, that sustains motivation, belonging, and loyalty.
Automation is changing how teams operate and communicate, and for many organizations, it’s flattening hierarchies. In that shift, mid-level employees are emerging as the most overlooked group. These are the people managing teams, projects, and deliverables, yet they’re the least likely to feel seen in the AI era.
Nearly half of executives (49%) strongly agree that recognizing managers is crucial when automation increases, but only 24% of mid-level employees feel the same, the lowest of any group. It’s what many are calling the “frozen middle”: a layer of management caught between highly visible executives and hands-on contributors who often receive more direct praise.
While AI can take repetitive tasks off our plates, it can also make leadership contributions less visible. Recognition programs that spotlight mid-level success from gamified incentives and peer shoutouts to simple morale-boosting moments can help “unfreeze” this essential layer of the workforce and keep managers engaged as their roles evolve.
Recognition also plays a powerful role in retention. Three in four employees say they’re more likely to stay with a company that balances human and AI-driven engagement. That balance stands out most among leaders, with 86% of executives agreeing.
AI should enhance, not replace, the human side of appreciation. When organizations use technology to make recognition more consistent, timely, and inclusive, while keeping empathy and authenticity at the heart of every interaction, they build stronger loyalty and a more connected culture from the top down.
AI may lighten workloads, but it doesn’t lift every generation equally. While two-thirds of employees (66%) say AI tools make them feel more supported and less stressed, the experience differs depending on age.
Employees in their 30s and 40s report the greatest relief from automation. About 33% of those aged 35–44 and 30% of those 45–54 strongly agree that AI helps reduce stress. For many in this group, automation clears away routine tasks, giving them more time for creativity, strategy, and leadership which are the areas where human skills standout most.
Younger and older employees, however, aren’t as convinced. Only 7% of 18–24-year-olds strongly agree that AI reduces stress, while 21% strongly disagree. Among those 55 and older, just 17% strongly agree, and a third somewhat disagree (34%).
These divides show that comfort with AI isn’t only about how tech-savvy someone is; it’s about trust and how the technology fits their role. Mid-career professionals tend to see AI as a partner that helps them work smarter, while younger and older employees may still be questioning where they fit in a more automated world.
One thing remains universal: the need for recognition. Eighty-three percent of employees agree that praise and appreciation matter more than ever, but Gen Z feels it the least. Only 64% of 18–24-year-olds agree, compared with 86% of employees aged 25–34.
That doesn’t mean younger workers are less motivated, it means they value recognition differently. Gen Z looks for appreciation that’s timely, authentic, and visible. They want feedback that feels personal and happens in real time, not just during reviews or annual milestones.
As organizations continue to attract and retain a multigenerational workforce, pairing AI-powered recognition tools with genuine human connection will be key to ensuring every employee, from new graduates to seasoned leaders, feels supported, valued, and seen.
AI is transforming how we work, but it doesn’t change what people need. Employees at every level and age still want to feel recognized, supported, and connected.
As AI becomes more embedded in the workplace, recognition is becoming the new currency of engagement. Companies that blend the efficiency of AI with the authenticity of human appreciation won’t just keep up with the future of work, they’ll create a culture where everyone, from Gen Z to executives, feels valued and ready to thrive.