Picture a worker who shows up to the office daily. They always come early, talk in meetings and deliver stellar work output. They are present consistently but are never commended for it. Would you be surprised if they were to get up suddenly and leave after a couple of months?

Some managers may hesitate to extend employee appreciation because it can make a workplace feel competitive and unfair. However, that only happens when you give a particular person special treatment. Putting everyone on equal footing and recognizing each worker can create a better environment conducive to productivity.

Many employees are already all too familiar with the feeling of being set aside without any gratitude for their hard work. Employers should avoid this scenario and use gratitude to their advantage.

1. Validation and Confidence

Everyone wants to feel like what they’re doing is worthy. Extending appreciation can be a great way to showcase recognition for employee contributions. Unfortunately, in the recent generation of workers, only 59% of employees feel like their contributions are valued greatly or fairly. Open your eyes to the areas that can garner more validation to boost confidence.

• Work Performance

  When leaders assign a project to an employee, they’ve assessed their capabilities to complete the necessary work. After accomplishing what they are supposed to, they get no thanks. It’s what is expected of them, so the opportunities to commend them pass by.

  What if they had put thought and quality into their output because it was a big project? What if they had to troubleshoot certain areas to submit their work on time? Recognize when someone delivers excellent performance in global campaigns and other efforts.

• Work Improvement

  Another area that deserves more appreciation is when employees are given and apply feedback. Perhaps you once mentioned how worker A always comes late to the office. If they start showing up earlier than their shift, acknowledge the effort they are putting in.

  Appreciation can be beneficial for bigger changes, like learning a new skill or preventing past mistakes from reoccurring. It can be challenging to cope with constructive criticism or corrections, especially when they are used to getting things right. Cheer on their process.

• Work Attitude

  Some employees show a strong dedication to the company. For example, they bring their work home to review a project and brainstorm ideas. Maybe they always get involved in discussions at important work meetings.

  Acknowledge their tenacity in the workplace. A spark like that will dim and die without recognition. Set it ablaze by verbally commending them. You can even cite the instances you’ve noticed to show you’re genuinely watching them.

2. Career Support

Many employees strive to achieve career growth. When there’s a lack of appreciation, they may feel they’ve given their best efforts to no avail. This can be disheartening for workers to come to terms with, but the best they can do is seek support from inner circles at work. The worst-case scenario is that they search for recognition from another company instead.

Combat these instances and improve employee appreciation. The ideal workplace can foster an environment where everyone succeeds and advances. Notice their process and create a path for them to grow. Set unique goals that can challenge them to develop upon accomplishing them.

The career plan should be based on the findings of weekly, monthly and quarterly performance reviews. Structuring their growth on specific criteria can let employees know they are monitored and supported throughout this time. Soon enough, you’ll notice people taking the initiative to further their careers and requesting more responsibility.

3. Improved Mental Health

Another perk behind employee appreciation is preserving their mental health. As rewarding as it can be to finish a project by deadline, there’s plenty of pressure to meet demands. Not appreciating your employees can make them feel they have endured so much to get nothing in return. Letting these feelings grow can contribute to work burnout.

Talk to your employees and acknowledge their accomplishments. Acknowledge that it wasn’t easy and ask for their input and feelings. Discussing your experience with a high level of respect can make a worker feel appreciated.

If you’ve noticed their mental health has already taken a toll, thank them for their efforts, but suggest a work-life balance. Some companies try to reward employees for their hard work without realizing how unhealthy it might be for them. Appreciating someone involves wanting the best for them. Plus, they can be more productive when well-rested.

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4. Positive Work Culture

The core of employee appreciation is promoting a sense of positivity in the workplace. Workers dedicate 40 hours weekly to their jobs, sometimes even more than that threshold. So much can happen during that time, and many people want their emotions and experiences heard by their managers and colleagues. Don’t deny them that recognition.

One good way to incorporate employee appreciation is to have a recognition program. Each month, you can commend a set of workers during a meetup and highlight their work and character. Give them a gift and have a mini award ceremony. Even doing this in the office lobby can create a strong sense of optimism within the workspace.

A smaller version of a recognition program could be an admiration segment during meetings. Have each person express gratitude toward one of their team members. Having a manager’s approval can be quite an energy boost. At the same time, hearing from all your colleagues can create an air of optimism and mutual respect.

5. Strong Company Identity

Employee appreciation allows workers to connect better with the company. Praise and growth enable them to view the workplace positively. The more they feel engaged, the more they will contribute in terms of productivity and quality.

Appreciation also improves worker relationships. Showing gratitude and respect can eliminate distractions related to office politics. Instead, each person supports one another and works well together, fast-tracking deliverables in the long run.

Employee appreciation showcases harmony within the organization. Each worker is a reflection of your company that their family, friends and network will see. Company reputation is strengthened when they tell others about the validation they receive from their workplace.

6. Retention and Acquisition

Encouraging appreciation in the workplace can improve retention rates. Zero regard from managers and workmates can feel quite inconsiderate. Most people don’t stand for that behavior, which can motivate them to find a different employer.

Extend awareness about what each person contributes to work operations. Highlight people’s best traits and encourage them to get even better. After all, a good employee experience makes people 68% less likely to think about leaving their jobs.

At the same time, employee appreciation can boost a company’s acquisition rates. People always seek a healthy workspace. When your workers’ friends hear how welcoming and respectful your office is, they will feel compelled to join you.

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Boost Employee Appreciation

Companies can reap various benefits from extending employee appreciation, including stronger worker confidence and a better business reputation. Find avenues to extend gratitude toward the people who power your workplace.

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