O.C. Tanner, a specialist in employee appreciation, has conducted research. Tanner’s research shows that employees can be taught to develop emotional intelligence (EQ) through recognition.
Employees in the U.K. who ” frequently give recognition ” are seven times more likely than others to be emotional intelligent. Those who ” receive recognition ” from their leaders are five times more likely. U.K. organisations that integrate recognition into their daily culture are more likely to develop emotionally intelligent employees – staff are 8 times more likely than leaders to have high EQ.
Here are some of the results from O.C. Tanner’s 2025 Global Culture Report gathered insights and data from 38,075 employees from 27 countries, including 4,896 workers from the U.K.
Robert Ordever is the European MD at O.C. Tanner. Tanner.
O.C. has found that organisations who practice emotional intelligence have a 107-fold higher chance of thriving. Tanner’s study confirms that emotional intelligence can be developed by people if they practice and witness it every day. The report recommends both leaders and staff be trained to listen empathically and provide supportive actions; to embrace feedback; to embrace change; to hold themselves accountable; to frequently acknowledge others’ efforts.
Employees and leaders with higher EQ levels are more likely to be in organisations that encourage recognition. Recognition helps employees develop their EQ skills such as empathy, self-awareness and communication.
Ordever continues, “Those with high emotional intelligence are able to empathise and connect with others, as well as inspire them.” This can be nurtured through a variety of methods, including organisation-wide recognition of employees who have sparked powerful feelings of belonging, appreciation and connection.
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