Research* reveals that emotional intelligence (EQ) can be taught and cultivated among employees, with the giving of recognition key to nurturing an emotionally intelligent workforce.

U.K. employees who “often give recognition” are 7 times’ more likely to be emotionally intelligent, and those who “often receive recognition” from leaders are 5 times’ more likely to be emotionally intelligent. U.K organisations that make recognition an integrated part of their everyday culture have the highest probability of developing an emotionally intelligent workforce – employees are 8 times’ more likely to have high EQ and leaders are 14 times’ more likely.

These are the findings from O.C. Tanner’s 2025 Global Culture Report which gathered data and insights from 38,075 workers from 27 countries including 4,896 from the U.K.

“As we move towards greater workplace automation, one thing you simply can’t automate is relationships” says Robert Ordever, European MD of O.C. Tanner. “How you manage your own emotions and recognise and influence the feelings of others has become a crucial employee skill that organisations must nurture in this new era of work.”

Organisations that practice emotional intelligence are an incredible 107 times’ more likely to thrive, with the research confirming that people can develop emotional intelligence so long as they witness it and practice it daily. The report recommends that both leaders and employees are trained to listen empathetically and then provide supportive action; be open to feedback; embrace change; hold themselves accountable; and frequently recognise others’ efforts and achievements.

At organisations where workers give and receive recognition, the EQ of employees and leaders rises, with recognition helping employees to hone their EQ skills of empathy, self-awareness, and communication.

Ordever adds, “Those who excel in emotional intelligence have an ability to empathise, connect and inspire others. And this can be effectively nurtured in a number of ways including through organisation-wide employee recognition for stirring powerful feelings of appreciation, belonging and connection.”

*Research from O.C. Tanner