The Power of Appreciation at Workplace

Universally people appreciate being appreciated. Everyone enjoys being acknowledged and valued by simple acts of expression of appreciation.

This expression of gratitude is not foreign to us. From childhood, whenever we receive any help from someone, we learn to say 'than you'. However, in this fast-paced, technology-driven world, people only have little time for themselves, let alone maintaining their gratitude journal.

For many, the workplace is like an extended home and yet we don't appreciate what we have in our lives as much as we should. Corporate setu ups have ensured to have robust recognition programs in place. But the real question is, "IS THAT ENOUGH???"

Despite the existence of robust recognition programs, oftentimes we hear HRs and managers say that the employees don’t feel appreciated enough. This is because recognition and appreciation are identical but are different. Recognition is always outcome-based, something like a positive feedback on the performance that positively impacts the organization and most of the time comes from the leaders to their teams. However, appreciation on the other hand is beyond what a person ‘does’. It’s something about a person as an individual we value the most about. It is a celebration of individuals for their qualities that contributes to teams’ dynamics and culture.

How does it impact a workplace?

According to Great Place to Work, companies that prioritize employee recognition see a 79% increase in motivation and engagement. Additionally, employees are 55% more likely to stay with their employer when recognized regularly. When it comes to appreciation, 89% of employees work harder when their efforts are appreciated.

According to a survey by Glassdoor, 81% of employees say they’re motivated to work harder when their boss shows appreciation for their work.

Gallup’s research indicates that employees who do not feel adequately recognized are twice as likely to say they’ll quit in the next year.

Conveying 'Thank You' is about Being Honest and Genuine. People can tell when gratitude is genuine and when it is faked. A heartfelt thank you shows sincerity and fosters trust and goodwill among colleagues. Being honest in expressing gratitude strengthens relationships and creates a positive work environment.

How do we build a Culture of appreciation?

• Don’t Overthink It: When you say 'thank you,' focus on the genuine feeling behind it rather than worrying about what the other person might think or if they will reciprocate. It's all about expressing your appreciation for their help and support. Remember, it's the act - of expressing gratitude and the intent - that matter most.
• Be Specific: Make your thank you message special by being specific rather than generic. Instead of a simple "thanks," say something like, "Thank you for staying late to help me finish the report. Your effort made a big difference." Specific gratitude shows that you noticed and valued the particular action.
• Promote Gratitude Publicly: Most of the people shy away from sharing the recognition publicly with the fear of being judged. Believe that your simple gesture of acknowledging and appreciating someone’s help may not create an impact immediately but would definitely help as a first step to set up a culture of appreciation. Public recognition not only promotes a culture of gratitude but also sets a positive example for others. If possible, acknowledge contributions publicly to reinforce the importance of gratitude in the workplace.
• Acknowledge Appreciation: When someone appreciates you for a good thing, acknowledge it and don’t rush to appreciate them back. It’s important to accept gratitude genuinely rather than feeling the need to immediately reciprocate.

Organizations often struggle not because they lack proper recognition channels, but because people don't effectively use them or convey how they feel about someone's contributions. Fostering a culture of gratitude can lead to a more supportive and cohesive work environment.

• Start Team Meetings with Acknowledgment: Begin your team meetings by acknowledging the contributions of your team. If possible, make it personalized. Everyone loves being recognized for their good deeds.
• Send Thank You Emails: Send emails with your thank you note. Remember, appreciation need not always be monetary. A sincere thank you email can boost someone's morale and encourage them to continue their good work.
• Meet Them in Person and Thank Them: Take the time to meet individuals in person and express your gratitude. A face-to-face thank you can have a significant impact and shows genuine appreciation.
• Involve The Team in Decision-Making Processes: Empower employees by involving them in decision-making processes related to their work. Seeking their input and ideas not only shows trust but also values their expertise and insights.
• Be There for Them When They Need You: Support your colleagues when they need help or guidance. Being there for them in times of need fosters a culture of reciprocity and strengthens relationships in the workplace.
• Handwritten Thank You Note: Taking the time to write a handwritten thank you note can have a significant impact. It shows that you care enough to put in the effort and adds a personal touch that is often lacking in today's digital world.

As Dr. Bob Nelson said, "Don't recognize and appreciate because you want to be nice or you like them; recognize them for the work they do and appreciate them for who they are."

Personally, I am forever thankful for all the support I have received from people across all walks of life. Developing a sense of gratitude makes everyone's life easier, whether in the workplace or in personal life. Whether it’s your colleague or your family, expressing gratitude can make a significant difference.

So, the next time someone lends you a hand, just say 'thank you' and let them know you appreciate them.

You’ll realize the difference what a simple act of expression can do.