Appreciation at Work and How to Do It
Photo by Rosie Kerr from Unsplash
Have you ever poured your heart and soul (and not to mention time and energy) into a project, only to get a half-hearted “good job” from leadership? Then you know how demotivating it is to be underappreciated. And you probably didn't work as hard the next time around, did you? Because no one valued your hard work.
Or perhaps you're a manager whose unknowingly guilty of this - do you take the time to truly stop and appreciate your employees and everything they do? If not, you're creating disengaged and unloyal employees who are probably looking for somewhere they can feel valued. Although, surely “good job” or a giftcard for a smoothie is all you need to encourage your workforce? …No, it's not.
In fact, these generalized and ill-thought-through rewards are demeaning and show your employees just how little you care. You gave Sandra a gift card for a frozen yogurt place when everyone but you knows that Sandra is lactose intolerant. Yikes. (She gave it to Jeff though, at least he was happy, I guess).
Okay okay, so you get the message… but how do you really show appreciation at work? We're here to tell you how - and don't worry, you can thank us later.
3 ways to improve your appreciation
Set time aside for appreciation sharing: appreciation is not only loved when received from leadership, but also by other employees. Encourage your entire team to share appreciation for each other - the more people practice sharing, the more connected and open they will feel with each other. A connected and open team will find collaboration easier and siloing more manageable.
Pay actual attention: Pay attention to the challenges your team face during projects. Who did what in a project, and who did things exceptionally? Who showed up even though they’re going through a really hard time? Who tried something for the first time and did it really well? These things will give you authentic, individual points of appreciation, and your team will appreciate that you paid attention. Genuine appreciation goes way further than any gift card ever could.
Learn the 5 languages of appreciation & apply them: Much like love language, there are also different languages of appreciation. Learn what each of your team prefers and you will then know how best to convey appreciation. Here are some examples of each:
Words of affirmation: an appreciation circle, specific and unique appreciation that could be in person or written.
Quality time: Take time to talk to them over coffee or socialize with them. Give them an opportunity to listen to an idea or problem-solve with you.
Acts of service: Take work off their hands if you can see they’re overwhelmed or let them go home earlier.
Tangible gifts: Show them you thought of them specifically. So giving Sandra a gift card for froyo may not have been the play, but perhaps you notice she’s got a soft spot for fries. Get her some fries.
Physical touch: This is done with consent and can be in the form of a high five, fist bump, or handshake. Remember, just because you see them do it with someone else, doesn’t mean they’d be comfortable with you, so always establish boundaries.
So now that Sandra’s happily munching on her large fries and feeling thoroughly understood, valued, and appreciated, you can arrange your very first appreciation circle. But perhaps you are looking for other ways to maximize your team’s potential… we’ve got you.
We’re hosting a workshop for all you leaders who want to learn how to better your team through trust, engagement & commitment. You can click here to learn more about that. Or perhaps you’re thinking “How the heck do I do an appreciation circle?” - an understandable question. You can check out our website and our many available services that can help you better your work culture. Sandra will appreciate you for it.
