“Among the things you can give and still keep are your words, a smile, and a grateful heart.” – Zig Ziglar
Our company recently celebrated its annual “Co-workers Gratitude Week”, where employees filled out business-size cards with reasons they enjoy working with their co-workers, then gave them to one another. The quote above, by motivational speaker Zig Ziglar was emblazoned on the front of the card.
The point of this event was to take time to acknowledge and thank fellow team members for everything they do to make the workplace a better environment, as well as acknowledge people’s strengths within the organization. I think it’s a great program and I look forward to it every year; it feels good to both give and receive positive feedback.
According to recent studies, showing sincere and relevant appreciation increases job satisfaction, improves work confidence, raises efficiency and lowers absenteeism/presenteeism. So, how can managers show their staff appreciation on a more regular basis? With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it seemed timely to talk about “expressing gratitude”.
Here are some ways that supervisors can say “thanks” to their employees:
- Bring in food or spring for lunch.
- Print out a certificate that begins with, “In recognition of…”
- Express your praise to others privately and publicly.
- Remember birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions.
- Write a personal note or e-mail with details about specific contributions.
- Decorate their desk or work area with a banner and streamers.
- When possible, reward a job well done with time off of work with pay or a gift card.
- Engage in small talk and connect with them on a personal level.
- Smile, look them in the eye, and give your sincere thanks and encouragement to keep up the good work. Let them know they are a critical part of the overall success of the company.
Thanksgiving is our annual reminder that being grateful feels good and that we should all do it more often. Spark that feeling by sharing your appreciation for your colleagues. I guarantee that you will be surprised at how far a little appreciation can go.
As Zig Ziglar notes in this video, the healthiest of all human emotions is gratitude.
What are your thoughts? Do you have any personal stories you are willing to share? Please feel free to ask questions or share your experiences below.
Suggested Resources
- Why Appreciation Matters So Much
- Thank You Phrases for the Workplace
- Awesome Phrases to Express Your Appreciation for Others and Yourself
- The Gratitude Experiment (video)
Jeremy S. joined Empathia in 2007 as Manager, Client Care Services, then became an Account Manager/Sales Consultant in 2012. He is also a certified wellness and tobacco cessation coach. Jeremy has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Organizational Development. Prior to joining Empathia, he spent 14 years in the EAP industry in a variety of managerial/leadership roles at another behavioral healthcare organization. Jeremy enjoys reading, photography, music and spending time with his wife and daughters.
