Every day, Sally is the first to arrive at work and leaves late some days of the week. She completes her day-to-day tasks on time and some of her project work is proven to be exceptional. Sally loves her job, but openly confesses to her manager during their weekly catch up that she is starting to feel like a working machine.
Appreciation
Sally’s manager doesn’t understand why Sally feels this way: Sally is getting paid well for the work she completes; shouldn’t that be enough for an excellent employee? In the early 1990s, Dr. Gary Chapman, relationship counselor, released the book The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate. Over time, these 5 love languages have been converted to 5 languages of appreciation in the workforce.
Dr. Chapman reminds us that appreciation is a human need. He also found that when workers feel appreciated they work more efficiently, are happier, and ultimately, help the company’s bottom line. Here are the 5 ways you can show appreciation towards others:
- Words of affirmation – Congratulating on a job well done or even offerings words of encouragement on a difficult task.
- Quality time – Team building exercises is a good way to get out of the office and build up your team morale.
- Acts of service – A manager helping her employee complete a task is an example of an act of service. Remember: you play for the same team!
- Gifts – Sweaters with the company logo, a birthday luncheon, a personalized coffee mug, these are all appropriate gifts (tangible and intangible) to give every now and then to show appreciation.
- Appropriate physical touch – You may find people who appreciate a good handshake, a high five, or a fist bump. Use this suggestion carefully and only if deemed appropriate for the workplace.
A mindful exercise:
Do you recall smiling at someone who you do not usually acknowledge? How do you think your smile made them feel? Write down or think about the language of appreciation for 2 people (with the option for more) that you work with. Try to practice these languages for the next week with respective person and note any changes (good and bad) in the work relationship at the end of the week.
Lindsey Nguyen