The Role of Reward and Recognition in Retaining High Performers

  • Unique Paper ID: 184179
  • PageNo: 406-412
  • Abstract:
  • This study explores the role of rewards and recognition in retaining high-performing employees. It compares the effects of immediate rewards (like bonuses and spot recognition) with long-term rewards (such as promotions and career development). Data from working professionals across sectors reveals that both reward types significantly impact employee motivation and retention. While monetary incentives such as salary hikes are important, non-monetary rewards like appreciation, flexible work hours, and growth opportunities fulfill emotional needs and enhance job satisfaction. The findings highlight that a balanced and personalized reward system, combining short-term and long-term, as well as financial and non-financial elements, is most effective in retaining top talent. The study provides valuable insights for HR professionals aiming to build a motivated and loyal workforce.

Copyright & License

Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

BibTeX

@article{184179,
        author = {PRASHANT LOHANI and Shailesh Sahani and Shikha Kumari and Betsa Varughese and Baisel Jose},
        title = {The Role of Reward and Recognition in Retaining High Performers},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {4},
        pages = {406-412},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=184179},
        abstract = {This study explores the role of rewards and recognition in retaining high-performing employees. It compares the effects of immediate rewards (like bonuses and spot recognition) with long-term rewards (such as promotions and career development). Data from working professionals across sectors reveals that both reward types significantly impact employee motivation and retention. While monetary incentives such as salary hikes are important, non-monetary rewards like appreciation, flexible work hours, and growth opportunities fulfill emotional needs and enhance job satisfaction. The findings highlight that a balanced and personalized reward system, combining short-term and long-term, as well as financial and non-financial elements, is most effective in retaining top talent. The study provides valuable insights for HR professionals aiming to build a motivated and loyal workforce.},
        keywords = {Employee retention, High performers, Rewards and recognition, Immediate rewards, Long-term rewards},
        month = {September},
        }

Cite This Article

LOHANI, P., & Sahani, S., & Kumari, S., & Varughese, B., & Jose, B. (2025). The Role of Reward and Recognition in Retaining High Performers. International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology (IJIRT), 12(4), 406–412.

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