What is appreciation?
Unlike recognition, appreciation is not based on an employee’s performance, but their inherent value to the company. This can mean anything from their work ethics, knowledge and skills to relationships with colleagues and positive behavior.
Appreciation plays a key role in creating a positive organizational culture and strengthening employee-leader relationships. Many studies have revealed that appreciation is one of the proven methods to motivate employees, make them more productive and committed to their jobs.
Regardless of whether it’s colleague-to-colleague or manager-to-employee appreciation, even the tiniest of appreciation comments can go a long way; a simple as saying “thank you” for a job well done, for completing a project quickly, or for coming to a meeting prepared and ahead of time.
Appreciation is a powerful everyday tool that managers and leaders can use with their staff. Unfortunately, it is a greatly underutilized and many managers that I have worked with say “why should I have to say thank you and appreciate someone who is just doing their job that they are paid to do”. It’s mainly because it helps build engagement and a culture that everyone wants to be part of.
Why show appreciation in the workplace?
The greatest psychological effect of appreciation and gratitude is the happiness and other emotions immediately felt whether we’re giving or benefiting from. Gratitude creates good feelings, cheerful memories, better self-esteem, feeling more relaxed and more optimistic. All of these emotions create a pay it forward and “we’re in this together” mentality in the workplace, which in turn, makes your organization more successful.
When you value your employees’ hard work and contributions to the company, it’s important to show appreciation. Showing your gratitude lets employees know when they’re excelling and can increase engagement. There are lots of reasons why leaders should show appreciation in the workplace. Here are some of them:
- Appreciation improves productivity. When employees know their hard work is appreciated and recognized, they feel that their work is valued. And this motivates them to maintain and improve their great performance.
- Appreciation improves workplace morale. Showing appreciation to an employee creates a ripple effect in the workplace. An employee who feels appreciated is highly likely to show appreciation to their co-workers and other team members.
- Appreciation keeps employees engaged. In addition to improving productivity, showing appreciation in the workplace also increases employee engagement and dedication.
- Appreciation helps build staff loyalty. Employees often leave their job because of a lack of appreciation.
What can you say to show appreciation to your coworker and/or employer?
Appreciation should be a daily event and it is giving positive feedback and thanks for good ongoing work. It can be a simple thank you and positive feedback for a special project or special effort. It’s about celebration certain traditions, offer extra time off or arrange a team lunch. Not all appreciation should be a financial incentive. Appreciation can be as simple as giving quality time to an employee and taking an interest in their career and personal development. Talk to you coworker and tell them what you appreciate and/or are grateful for. To show gratitude to your employer or a company executive, consider giving them a genuine compliment during a meeting. Take care to highlight their leadership or experience so that others can also recognize their hard work.
By implementing gratitude into company culture, employees are more willing to spread their positive feelings with others, whether it’s helping out with a project or taking time to notice and recognizing those that have gone the extra mile.
The month of November highlight thankfulness and gratitude and we should take the time and tell our coworkers why we are grateful for them to be part of the team. Let’s start a ripple effect and spread some positivity in the workspace.
We will leave you with the following 2 questions: Who are you grateful for in your team? And how will you express this?