The document summarizes research from multiple studies that show a strong correlation between effective employee recognition programs and positive business outcomes. The research found that frequent and meaningful recognition is linked to increased employee engagement, productivity, innovation, trust in managers, and employee tenure. Recognition was shown to motivate employees, improve relationships between managers and employees, and strengthen employees' feelings of connection to their organization. The studies demonstrated that recognition delivers tangible benefits like higher profitability, lower turnover and absenteeism, and fewer safety incidents and defects.