And while we admit that this recognition frequently comes from our personal, family, and social lives, its main source is from our work. Even today, our recognition often derives from the work we do and how it is perceived.

Workplace recognition has enormous impacts on how people feel and strongly influences their individual levels of happiness. The data below eloquently tell the tale. Whereas more than half of respondents (52%) consider that their employers or bosses are quite pleased with their work, their RHI falls just shy of the 80 mark at 79.60.

As the level of recognition slides, the RHI of people plummets. In comparison, the RHI of the 34% who consider that their boss or employer is somewhat appreciative of their work slips to 71.70. The RHI falls down to 66.70 for the 5% of respondents who state that they receive no recognition for their work.

Yet giving someone recognition involves little and costs practically nothing. Recognition comes in a marvelous variety of ways, such as  a kind word, encouragement, and a pat on the shoulder. The effect, however, appears to be inversely proportional the effort required. Happy employees who feel recognized for what they do are undeniably productive and can only yield dividends for the people who hire and supervise them.

This recognition shows up most among respondents in rural areas, once again (59% rural vs. 50 % urban), people between 35 and 54 years of age (61%), people who earn $60,000 or more (60%), and women (56% women vs. 47% men).