How To Show Appreciation At Work - Without Manipulating
Employees Love Bosses Who Do This
Empowerment Boost
Feel empowered and respected by learning to express genuine appreciation in the workplace.
Confidence Surge
Master EQ to confidently navigate tough conversations, enhancing personal and professional relationships.
Happiness Spike
Experience a spike in happiness and productivity by fostering a culture of acknowledgment and gratitude.Refine your communication skills by learning to harness your emotional intelligence with one of the UK's most acclaimed management training courses.
Why Choose This Training?
More Than Just A Course Of Lectures
What gets in the way of developing and holding on to new communication skills are old habits of thinking and speaking. Even if the advice is very good the reason why it rarely sticks are the mental habits people inevitably revert to, especially under pressure.
Unlearning those old habits and internalising a more effective and lasting approach to communication needs more than a short course of lectures on how to do it.
What Makes This Training Stand Out?
What makes this training stand out is the exceptional support through one-to-one coaching sessions and continuous feedback. Changing behaviour is not an easy task as old habits are hard to break.
With a 40-year track record we can help you cultivate practical skills, and build your confidence to so you can successfully navigate real-world challenges, ensuring lasting behavioural improvements.
Testimonials
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"What I love about this course is that I didn't just learn about the topic, this course is about ME. I'm confident I can reliably use my new skills, even when under pressure".
"A lesson for life! The power of effective communication is incredible when one masters the skills "listening with empathy" and "speaking assertively"
Clients We Have Worked With
Well-known companies who have used this course again and again, over many years
Course Summary
Training Objectives
Feeling undervalued at work can really bring you down. Did you know that showing appreciation to employees can boost their productivity and happiness? This training course is your guide to turning the office into a place where everyone feels valued and motivated.
- Saying “I was happy / pleased / encouraged, when you ... (said or did a particular thing), because ... (this thought went through my mind“ and offering small gestures of kindness can build a happy workplace.
- Giving raises, bonuses, or other rewards shows employees their hard work is seen and valued.
- Hosting events and providing training opportunities help make team members feel appreciated.
- Creating an employee recognition program can motivate the entire team by highlighting achievements.
- Encouraging peer recognition and using technology like virtual appreciation rooms boosts company morale.
Develop Your Emotional Intelligence
You will learn a set of powerful emotional intelligence communication techniques so that you can manage difficult conversations, handle challenging situations, build relationships and set firm boundaries.
Transferable Skills
The goal of this training is to equip you with the tools you need to build strong, lasting relationships in your professional life, although because these skills are so transferable many clients report vast improvements in their personal relationships as well.
Develop Skills
This is a skills development rather than just a theoretical programme, so the emphasis throughout will be on you taking turn after turn, practising your skills, while receiving feedback and coaching about your effect on others.
Repeated Practice and Feedback
In your coaching sessions you will be helped to practise dealing with the kinds of situation you find challenging, again and again, until you are confident you can do it successfully.
Video Analysis
We'll combine practical, hands-on experience with video replay and analysis and discussion of the principles involved to help you gain both skills and understanding. Special attention is paid to your individual training needs, so you can practise your skills in real-life situations that you have to handle at work.
Sustained Change
That's why as well as your place in a small group, this training includes a generous amount of private and confidential one-to-one coaching sessions online, spread over several months, ensuring an exceptional level of support. This will ensure the changes you make are sustained over a longer period of time and any obstacles are overcome. Choose between online training available worldwide, or in-person face-to-face courses in the UK.
Course Dates and Price
For a list of upcoming course dates (for online coaching and face-to-face training), the locations of the next 3-day public courses in the UK and pricing Click here.
Free Initial Session
This initial coaching session serves as an introduction to the "Skills with People" course, allowing you to understand the course's relevance and effectiveness for your specific needs before committing to it.
The Importance of Employee Appreciation
Showing appreciation at work isn't just nice - it's crucial. It can turn a good team into a great one, keeping everyone motivated and happy.
Building a happy workplace
Creating a happy workplace makes everyone feel valued and respected. It's not just about the pay; it’s how you treat your staff members. Think simple acts of kindness, like saying "thank you" or giving a small note of appreciation.
These gestures show employees they are an important part of the company. Plus, a positive work environment encourages people to support each other more.
Happy teams work better together and find creative ways to solve problems. They're more likely to stay calm under pressure and go the extra mile when needed. This good vibe spreads, making customers notice how great your company is too.
Now, boosting employee morale is our next step..
Boosting employee morale
High morale in the workplace goes hand-in-hand with happiness. It's like when everyone feels good, work gets better too. Showing appreciation plays a big part in this. It makes employees feel valued for their hard work.
Imagine working hard and someone says "thank you." It feels great, right? That simple act can boost a person's mood.
Expressing gratitude does more than just lift spirits; it inspires people to keep doing their best. This could be through a thoughtful gesture or recognising someone’s effort publicly.
When colleagues see this, it creates a positive cycle of kindness and hard work across the team. Everyone wants to chip in and support each other - making the whole company stronger and more united.
Improving productivity
Showing appreciation boosts productivity at work. It's simple – people work harder when they feel valued. Imagine giving a little "thank you" or celebrating small wins.. This can lead to big changes.
Employees start putting in more effort, and their quality of work shoots up. They also come up with better ideas because they're happy and motivated.
Gifts and thank-yous make workers want to do their best every day. This helps the whole company grow stronger together. Plus, it creates a positive place where everyone enjoys coming to work.
When people are eager to contribute, productivity naturally increases - making everyone, from coworkers to clients, happier overall.
Ways to Show Appreciation at Work
Showing appreciation at work isn't just nice, it's a game-changer. It turns regular days into memorable ones, and makes every team member feel truly valued.
Providing positive feedback
Giving positive feedback is a quick and easy way to show how much you’re paying attention to what they’re doing, and are grateful for their efforts. It's about letting employees know they're valued and their hard work is seen. This boosts morale and makes people feel good.
Say "well done" for meeting targets or "thank you" for staying late. This is especially powerful when you include mention of your the emotions that get triggered in you when you think about how well the other person is doing, e.g. “I’m please: … “happy” … or maybe “impressed”.
Simple words make a big difference. Recognise the small wins as well as the big achievements. Public shout-outs in meetings can lift spirits, while personal emails show you care about individuals' efforts.
Create an atmosphere where saying something positive becomes second nature - it strengthens relationships and fosters a happy workplace culture.
Offer raises and bonuses
Giving raises and bonuses is a strong way to show appreciation at work. It tells employees their hard work is seen and valued. This can make people feel good about their job. Plus, it boosts morale and productivity across the team.
Bonuses don't just have to be about money either - you could offer extra days off or vouchers for a favourite restaurant. It's all about making employees feel appreciated, which in turn, can encourage them to keep up the great work.
Use a gamification system
After talking about raises and bonuses, let's dive into something a bit more fun - gamification. This method turns work tasks into games. It makes achieving goals exciting. Employees earn points or badges for hitting targets or completing projects.
This not only boosts their mood but also encourages a healthy competition among co-workers.
A well-set-up gamification system can make employees look forward to coming to work. They might compete to finish tasks first or gather the most points by the end of the month. Offering rewards like extra time off, gift cards, or even simple recognition in front of peers can make a big difference.
It brings out the best in everyone and shows that the company cares about making work enjoyable.
Host events and celebrations
Hosting events and celebrations is a fun way to show employees they are valued. Think about having parties for work anniversaries, birthdays, or even reaching business goals. It's not just about throwing a big bash; small gatherings in the office can also make people feel happier.
Imagine ending a busy week with an office party or surprising someone with a cake on their birthday – these actions bring smiles and build stronger teams.
Turn special occasions into memorable moments by choosing activities everyone enjoys. Maybe it’s going out for lunch at a team's favourite restaurant or organising an indoor games day.
Such experiences boost morale and encourage co-workers to bond over shared fun times, making them see each other not just as colleagues but like close friends. This sense of community can really uplift the workplace atmosphere, creating fertile ground for both personal growth and increased productivity.
Provide training opportunities
Offering training opportunities shows your team you care about their career growth. It tells them you see their potential and want to help them reach it. This kind of support can make employees feel valued and appreciated.
They're more likely to stay with a company that invests in their future.
Courses, workshops, and seminars let people learn new skills or improve old ones. These activities boost confidence and show the company's commitment to its employees' professional development.
Plus, as they grow in their roles, the business benefits too - from fresh ideas and improved performance.
Ideas for Employee Appreciation
Showing appreciation for employees isn't just nice – it's essential. Let's explore some creative ways to make your team feel valued and seen, beyond the usual strategies.
Celebrate milestones and birthdays
Celebrating milestones and birthdays at work can make employees feel valued. It's like saying thank you for their hard work and dedication. Whether it’s a big project completion, work anniversary, or a birthday—make it special.
A simple cake in the break room or shout-outs in team meetings can brighten up someone's day. Maybe even a small gift card to their favourite restaurant. These acts of appreciation show that the company cares about its employees' lives outside of work too.
Planning surprises for these occasions adds to the excitement. Imagine walking into your office to find balloons and a personalised note from your co-workers on your desk—it’s sure to bring smiles all around! Such gestures not only express gratitude but also strengthen existing relationships within teams.
They remind everyone that beyond deadlines and projects, there’s human beings who value kindness and recognition.
Create an employee recognition program
Setting up an employee recognition program is a fantastic way to show gratitude for employees' hard work. Such a program can highlight high-performing individuals or teams regularly, making them feel valued and appreciated.
You could have monthly awards for different categories like innovation, teamwork, or customer service excellence. This not only boosts morale but also encourages others to strive for such acknowledgment.
Incorporate both physical and digital elements into the program. For instance, announce winners in company meetings or through a special mention in an internal newsletter. Equally important is leveraging social media or your company's intranet to celebrate achievements widely; this enhances brand reputation while fostering a sense of community among co-workers.
Offering tangible rewards—like gift cards to their favourite restaurant or extra wellness days off—can make the recognition even more meaningful and motivating.
Offer wellness days
After setting up an employee recognition program, take a step further by offering wellness days. These are special days off for employees to focus on their mental health. It shows that the company cares about more than just work.
Employees can rest, recharge, or pursue hobbies. This small break from work stress makes a big difference in how they feel and perform.
Giving wellness days helps people feel valued beyond their job roles. It's like saying the company sees them as humans first. They come back to work happier and more focused, ready to tackle challenges with fresh energy and creativity.
Plus, it boosts morale across the team when everyone sees the company investing in their well-being.
Give gift cards
Giving gift cards is a brilliant way to express appreciation at work. They let employees choose their own rewards, whether it's a meal from their favourite restaurant or something special they've had their eye on.
This flexibility makes the gesture even more meaningful, showing you care about what makes them happy.
Employees can use these cards to treat themselves or share experiences with family and co-workers, strengthening bonds inside and outside the office. It’s simple yet effective -- everyone loves a free pass to shop or dine out on the company's dime! Plus, it acknowledges hard work in a tangible way that words sometimes can't match.
Sponsor volunteer opportunities
Letting employees pick a cause they care about and giving them time off to volunteer can show real appreciation. It tells them you value what they hold dear. This can be anything from helping at animal shelters, planting trees, or feeding the homeless.
By doing this, you're not just saying thank you; you're also making a positive impact in the community.
Another way is to organise company-wide volunteering days. All co-workers come together to work on a single project. It could be cleaning up local parks or building homes with organisations like Habitat for Humanity.
Not only does it bring your team closer, but it also puts your company's gratitude into action, out in the world where it makes a difference.
The Role of Company Culture in Employee Appreciation
A strong company culture makes everyone feel valued. It's the soil where appreciation grows and thrives, setting the stage for more reading on this vital topic.
Cultivate a culture of appreciation
Creating a culture of appreciation means making sure everyone feels valued. It's about showing gratitude for co-workers' hard work and celebrating the positive things they bring to the table.
This can be through simple actions, like saying "thank you" or writing notes in a gratitude journal.
Companies that do this well often see their employees become more engaged. They notice an uptick in high performing employees who are grateful to be part of a team that recognises their efforts.
Encourage everyone, from leaders to new starters, to spot and highlight the good stuff happening around them every day. This way, appreciating each other becomes a natural part of life at work, not just something saved for special occasions.
Encourage peer recognition
After cultivating a culture of appreciation, it's vital to focus on peer recognition. This approach lets co-workers give shout-outs for each other’s hard work. It builds a stronger team when people see their efforts noticed by colleagues, not just bosses.
Everyone likes to feel seen. So, set up ways for employees to easily celebrate each other—maybe through a digital shout-out board or regular team meetings where shouts of praise are encouraged.
Giving co-workers the power to recognise others creates an environment full of support and gratitude. This method also helps in spotting talents and contributions that might otherwise go unnoticed by higher-ups.
Plus, it turns out; we often value kudos from our peers even more than those from the top. Encouraging this can make your company a place where everyone feels valued and connected, pushing them to do their best work every day.
Foster a positive work environment
Creating a positive work environment starts with the company's culture. It's all about making sure employees feel valued, respected, and part of a team. This means having open lines of communication where co-workers can share ideas freely and offer support to each other.
A welcoming atmosphere encourages people to bring their best selves to work every day.
Encourage laughter and moments of lightness among teams. Small gestures like celebrating small wins or simply saying "thank you" make a big difference in how employees view their workplace.
When a company shows it cares for its workers' happiness, everyone feels more motivated to contribute positively, boosting overall morale and productivity.
Leveraging Technology for Employee Appreciation
In today's digital age, embracing tech can take your employee appreciation game to the next level – think virtual cheers and smiles across screens. Dive deeper to uncover how!
Employee scheduling software
Employee scheduling software makes life easier for everyone. It helps in aligning employees' work hours with their personal time, allowing them to balance life and work better. This tool is a digital age marvel that ensures staff know when they're working without confusion or overlap.
It shows the company appreciates their need for personal time, boosting morale.
With this technology, managers can quickly fill shifts and avoid understaffing. Employees can swap shifts easily if something comes up. This flexibility is crucial for keeping a happy team.
The software cuts down on the hassle of manual scheduling, making it clear the company values both the employees' hard work and their time off.
Virtual appreciation rooms
Virtual appreciation rooms are a cool way to say thanks from anywhere. They let people drop in, no matter where they're working from. Picture this: a digital space full of shout-outs, kudos, and virtual high-fives.
It's all about celebrating the hard work your team does. You can post messages, share pictures or even funny GIFs to show you care.
Here's the magic part - these rooms keep the positive vibes flowing 24/7. Anyone can pop by at any time to add some cheer or get a quick boost by seeing how their co-workers appreciate them.
It's like having a party online that never stops. This simple tool can make everyone feel seen and valued, building stronger connections among team members without needing everyone in the same place.
Gamified points system
Moving from virtual appreciation rooms, a gamified points system introduces a fun and interactive way to show gratitude for employees' hard work. In this setup, tasks and achievements get linked with points.
Workers earn these as they complete projects or hit targets. It's like turning work into a game where everyone tries to score high.
Companies set up online leaderboards where all can see who's leading. This stirs healthy competition and encourages co-workers to push themselves. They can trade points for rewards.
Think gift cards or lunch at their favourite restaurant. It makes saying "thank you" more engaging and shows the company values what their team does every day.
Measuring the ROI of Employee Appreciation
Seeing if saying "thanks" at work really pays off can be a bit like detective work. You watch as happier team members stay longer and get more done, showing us it's worth the effort.
Increased employee retention
Showing appreciation at work has a big impact on keeping employees around for longer. People like to feel valued and recognised for their hard work. When a company offers thanks and rewards, employees are more likely to stay put.
They see the company as a place where their efforts aren't just seen but celebrated.
Research shows that saying "thank you" can make all the difference. Employees who feel appreciated often have a stronger connection to their workplace. This means they're less likely to leave for another job.
In fact, making sure co-workers know they're valued is one of the smartest moves a business can make. It leads to happier teams who stick together through thick and thin.
Improved job satisfaction
Happy workers tend to stay longer at their jobs. They put in more effort, too. Showing appreciation makes people feel valued. It turns a simple job into a fulfilling career. Employees work better when they know their hard work doesn't go unnoticed.
Next up, let's explore how boosting productivity and efficiency plays a role in employee appreciation efforts.
Boosted productivity and efficiency
Showing appreciation makes employees work harder. They feel valued and put in more effort. This leads to doing tasks faster and better. Happier workers also come up with smart ways to do their jobs.
This boosts productivity at work.
Appreciation can turn a normal day into an exciting one for co-workers. They are eager to tackle challenges. Efficiency shoots up because everyone wants to keep the positive vibes going.
It's a win-win – the company grows, and employees enjoy their work more.
Best Practices for Employee Appreciation using emotional intelligence
To truly value employees, it's key to tap into emotional intelligence. This means being honest, tailoring appreciation to each person, and considering what they truly enjoy.
Be sincere, authentic and genuine
Being sincere, authentic, and genuine makes a big difference. It shows you truly value your co-workers and their hard work. This isn't about just saying "thank you." It's deeper. You need to mean what you say.
Your team can tell when you're being real with them - and they respect it.
Every person likes to feel understood and appreciated for who they are, not just for the job they do. Take time to learn about the people around you at work. Use what you learn to make your appreciation personal and heartfelt.
A well-thought-out gesture based on someone's interests or needs speaks volumes more than a generic thank-you card could ever convey.
Personalise appreciation efforts
To personalise appreciation efforts, get to know what makes your employees feel valued. Some may love public praise during meetings. Others might prefer a quiet thank you note or a small gift that shows you've paid attention to their interests.
It's about matching the gesture with the person. This approach tells them you see their hard work and care about them as individuals.
Think outside the box -- not everyone wants the same recognition. A personalised letter for one might hit home, while another employee could appreciate an afternoon off to spend time on personal projects or with family.
By tailoring your appreciation methods, co-workers will feel genuinely recognised for their contributions, making these gestures more meaningful and impactful. This way, you're not just acknowledging their professional achievements but also valuing who they are outside of work hours.
Consider individual interests and needs
Everyone is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. So it's important to think about what each employee likes or needs. You could ask them directly or look at their hobbies and interests.
This way, showing appreciation feels more personal and genuine.
Find out what makes your co-workers happy. Maybe some prefer public praise while others like a quiet "thank you" note. By matching the way you show appreciation with their preferences, you make them feel truly valued.
It shows you've paid attention and taken the time to get it right for them.
Common Questions About Employee Appreciation
Got questions on how to make your team feel valued? Here are some of the most common questions and concerns that will tell you all you need to know about boosting smiles and productivity at work.
Significance of employee appreciation
Showing appreciation at work is a big deal. It makes employees feel valued and important for their hard work. When people know their efforts are seen, they're happier in the workplace.
This happiness turns into more energy and better focus on tasks. Simply put, a thank you can make someone's day and boost how much they enjoy their job.
Appreciation also helps co-workers form stronger bonds. Teams that feel appreciated together tend to support each other more. They share ideas freely and help out without being asked.
This creates a positive vibe in the office where everyone wants to do well not just for themselves but for each other too. Now, let's move on to ways we can show this appreciation at work.
Ideas for showing appreciation
Celebrate milestones and birthdays to show your team they matter. It's a simple, yet effective way to make employees feel valued. Set aside time for small parties or get-togethers.
This adds a personal touch that goes beyond the daily work routine.
Create an employee recognition program. Highlight achievements in meetings or through company-wide emails. Offer wellness days or gift cards as rewards for hard work and dedication.
These actions boost morale and encourage co-workers to aim high, knowing their efforts don't go unnoticed.
Impact on community
Moving on from ideas for showing appreciation, it's important to note the ripple effect this has beyond the office walls. When a company values its employees, those positive vibes spread out into the community.
Workers feel proud of where they work and share that joy with friends and family. This can make more people want to be part of the company or support its services.
Happy employees often get involved in local events or charity work, sponsored by their employer. These activities help improve people's lives in the area. The whole community can benefit when businesses commit to making their workers feel valued and respected.
It creates a cycle of positivity—good for companies, great for communities.
Implementing a program
Starting an appreciation programme at work might seem tricky, but it's quite straightforward. First, gather ideas from your employees about what makes them feel valued. This can be done through surveys or quick meetings.
Then, create a plan that includes these ideas. Make sure the program is flexible to cater for everyone’s needs and interests.
Next step - put the plan into action! Assign someone to lead the project and provide them with the resources they need. Keep track of progress and ask for feedback along the way. This ensures the program grows and improves over time.
By allowing employees to have a say in how they're appreciated, you build a stronger team bond.
Tax compliance
Tax compliance deals with following tax laws and regulations. It's crucial when giving gifts or bonuses to employees. Making sure everything is done right keeps the company safe from legal issues.
For instance, if you decide to give cash bonuses, it must be reported as income for your co-workers. The company has to handle taxes on these rewards properly.
Gifts that are not money might also need special attention. A gift card can count as income too.. So, always check with a tax expert before planning your appreciation efforts. This ensures both the business and its employees don't face any unexpected tax bills.
Looking after these details shows respect and care for everyone's hard work.
Importance of saying "thank you"
Saying "thank you" seems simple, but it holds much power. It tells your co-workers and employees their hard work is seen and valued. This small gesture can make someone's day better.
It shows respect and appreciation for what they bring to the table -- their skills, time, and effort.
A heartfelt "thank you" can change a workplace vibe. People feel happier and more connected when they know their contributions matter. They're likely to put in even greater effort, boosting morale across the team.
Plus, it fosters a culture where gratitude becomes a daily habit, not just an afterthought during employee appraisals or milestones celebrations.
Integrating with company culture
Showing appreciation doesn't stop at just saying "thank you." It goes hand in hand with weaving gratitude into the very fabric of your company's culture. Creating a space where co-workers feel valued every day boosts their drive to give their best.
This can be as simple as encouraging teams to share successes and support each other.
A strong culture of appreciation sees team members openly recognising each other's hard work. They don't wait for big wins; they celebrate the small steps too. This approach makes everyone feel like a vital part of the team, pushing them to achieve more together.
How To Show Appreciation At Work Conclusions
Showing our mates at work that we value them is a bit like adding sunshine on a rainy day—it just makes everything better. It's about more than just saying "thanks" or giving out treats.
It's building a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and important. From little nods of recognition to grand gestures of gratitude, every action counts. So, let's make the workplace a spot where appreciation isn't just an occasional guest but part of the family.
How To Show Appreciation At Work FAQs
1. What's a good way to show appreciation for employees' hard work?
A great start is by giving your undivided attention when they share ideas or concerns. It shows you value their input and respect their efforts.
2. Can writing a blog post help in showing appreciation at work?
Yes, indeed! Writing a blog post about your team's achievements or highlighting an individual's contribution can make them feel valued and recognised publicly.
3. How important is it to set an example as a co-founder in appreciating co-workers?
It’s very important! Most people look up to leaders for cues on behaviour. If you, as a co-founder, actively show appreciation, it sets the tone for the entire workplace culture.
4. Is there a wrong way to show appreciation at work?
While intentions matter, yes, there can be wrong ways if not thought through—like public praise for someone who prefers low-key recognition. Tailoring your approach matters.