Appreciation in the Workplace: A Win-Win Cultural Practice for Managers and Employees Alike

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For the vast majority of the population, work is an essential part of life. However, despite the necessity, one’s job is often not viewed as a simple means to an end. It is a career, and to many a life-long passion.

Furthermore, today’s workforce is becoming increasingly accustomed to blurred lines between their work and personal lives. Many employees identify greatly with their profession and ongoing success, and seek more than just a paycheck in return from a hard day’s work. Job satisfaction is frequently derived from a sense of accomplishment, appreciation and progressive development.

Happy, engaged employees typically have less issues on the job, develop faster and work more effectively. Without job satisfaction, employees stagnate or leave and businesses suffer. The good news is that the later can be minimized by encouraging appreciation throughout the workforce.

THREE BENEFITS OF ENCOURAGING APPRECIATION IN THE WORKPLACE

A little appreciation can go a long way. However, in the workplace it can have a significant and lasting impact on employee satisfaction and business success. Three examples include:

1. IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY

Appreciation in the workplace leads to employee engagement. Employee engagement can be directly correlated to improved production. After all, it leads to increased focus, interests and motivation. Plus, happy employees are more willing to put in extra effort when it is needed. Quality of work, including the ability to work efficiently and accurately improves as well.

Employee engagement and appreciation can be contagious. As individual employees find job satisfaction, they often have a positive impact on their co-workers as well. Far beyond the impact from simply getting the job done, increased engagement encourages employees to help one another grow. While the effects of an appreciative, engaged culture might not be instantaneous, it frequently leads to increased teamwork, professional development, mentorship, productivity and company success.

2. INCREASED LOYALTY

Happy employees are more loyal to the companies they work for than their dissatisfied counterparts. It often begins with the bonds made between team members, mentors or mentees, and grows as the connections mature to include professional appreciation and respect. This strengthens as hard work and successes are recognized by superiors. After all, when there are personal connections, job satisfaction and the opportunity for future development, employees are far more likely to remain appreciative of, and loyal to, their employer.

3. ENHANCED COMPANY IMAGE

A business that fosters appreciation throughout the workplace is far more likely to have a positive company culture. Aside from the internal benefits, such as productivity and loyalty, it can significantly boost a company’s image. Appreciative, loyal employees are far more likely to speak highly of the business to external contacts and on the internet. In the current economy, demand for quality talent is high and online image and perceived culture can make or break a candidates decision regarding whether or not to accept a job offer. Whether an employee left and a replacement needs to be found, or the business is trying to grow, the image can impact both time to fill and the quality of candidates (and in turn new hires).

THREE WAYS TO FOSTER A CULTURE OF APPRECIATION

While encouraging appreciative mindsets in the workplace may seem like a challenge, especially if the current company culture is lacking (or worse, toxic), it’s completely feasible. It helps when the initiative comes from the top, but it’s most effective if the entire team adapts. The following three tips can enable a more appreciative work environment, regardless of job title.

1. ENCOURAGE TEAMWORK & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Whether you are working with a group of co-workers on an assignment, overseeing a group or are simply a bystander in an office, encouraging team work and professional development is a fantastic way to foster appreciation. As individuals work together, they begin to respect one another and appreciate everyone’s contributions. They also learn to depend on each other’s strengths, work together to overcome weaknesses and grow both as individuals and as a team.

2. RECOGNIZE HARD WORK & SUCCESS

While encouraging appreciative mindsets in the workplace may seem like a challenge, especially if the current company culture is lacking (or worse, toxic), it’s completely feasible. It helps when the initiative comes from the top, but it’s most effective if the entire team adapts. The following three tips can enable a more appreciative work environment, regardless of job title.

3. BE EMPATHETIC

Understand that not all people share feelings the same way or are equally receptive to feedback. Do your best to adjust any messages of appreciation to individual so as to have the best impact. Remember to appreciate the efforts of employees and co-workers, not only perceived successes. Professional development is a journey. A lack of empathy or assistance can make the process far more difficult, whereas a little guidance and understanding can go a long way towards helping an employee or team member grow.

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