More than 80% of employees say they work harder when appreciated, making this Thanksgiving week a great time to reflect on the power of gratitude in the workplace. Showing appreciation at work doesn’t have to be complicated. It could look like sending a co-worker a quick thank-you after they helped you close a deal. Or, it could mean giving a shout-out during a team meeting to recognize someone’s hard work.
Why is appreciation at work so important? In a blog post, writer Madeline Wilson said it’s because appreciation impacts everything from employee happiness to a company’s overall success. When it comes down to it, appreciation benefits everyone by creating an atmosphere of mutual respect.
In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share Wilson’s tips for how to best express appreciation at work.
Don’t fake it. Wilson points out that genuine appreciation carries far more weight than empty words. People can tell when you’re being insincere, so always be authentic when showing gratitude.
Show appreciation more often. Thanksgiving week is a great time to show gratitude, but don’t let this be the only time you give thanks. Wilson recommends trying to incorporate little tokens of recognition into your daily routine. Be generous in saying “good job” and “thank you for what you do.”
Be specific. When telling someone they’ve done a good job, be specific about what exactly you appreciate. Wilson says this shows you value their unique contributions.
Tailor your approach. Different people like different types of appreciation. One co-worker may like public recognition in front of the whole team while another may prefer a thoughtful email. Consider who you want to acknowledge and adjust your approach according to their preference.
Encourage peer recognition. If you lead a team, invite your staff members to appreciate each other’s efforts. Wilson says this can create a strong bond and foster a supportive work environment.
Tie appreciation to core values. According to Wilson, linking recognition to your company’s core values can reinforce what you want to see. It also makes your gratitude more meaningful, she says.
Appreciate effort instead of just results. Make sure your team members know you appreciate their hard work, regardless of the result. When you recognize small wins and consistent progress, you can create a culture where employees feel valued for the work they put in every day.
Whether or not you manage a team, take some time this week to offer a genuine “thank you” to those you work with every day. When appreciation flows in all directions — not just from the top down — it creates a more collaborative, enjoyable workplace.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Madeline Wilson is a marketing specialist for Bucketlist Rewards, an employee recognition and rewards platform.
