**The big picture:** Many organizations struggle to secure executive buy-in for employee recognition programs, despite their proven link to retention and engagement. A significant disconnect exists between program implementation and perceived employee value. **Why it matters:** HR leaders face challenges in demonstrating the tangible ROI of recognition, leading to underfunded or ineffective initiatives that fail to address critical business goals like turnover and productivity. **Between the lines:** - 67% of organizations have formal recognition programs, but 40% of employees find the recognition meaningless. - Only 53% of organizations with formal programs achieve a