Colleague recognition helps staff handle tough workdays, research reveals

Colleague recognition helps staff handle tough days at work, research involving the University of East Anglia (UEA) found. 

The study showed that workers felt embittered on days when they were given more unreasonable tasks, and this feeling often followed them home, making it hard to switch off after work.

Additionally, research found that this cycle got worse when employees received less appreciation from colleagues. 

George Michaelides, professor of work psychology at UEA’s Norwich Business School, said: “Our findings underscore how assigning unreasonable tasks can violate employees’ sense of fairness and harm their emotional wellbeing. 

“It also emphasises the crucial role of supervisors in minimising such tasks and prioritising core responsibilities.

“Additionally, fostering a culture of appreciation among colleagues can serve as a protective factor, helping employees cope with workplace stress.”

Michaelides added: “Organisations can support this by equipping employees with the skills to express gratitude effectively, creating a more positive and resilient work environment.”