Here are 8 reasons we need to be better about showing appreciation.

A global study conducted by Towers Watson determined that feeling appreciated was a top priority for employees.? The problem is that over 65% of the people surveyed felt “unappreciated”.

Feeling genuinely appreciated creates a sense of safety that liberates people to do good work.

When people feel comfortable taking risks, they spend less time worried about the emotional draining distractions of office politics.

For some reason leaders struggle with expressing gratitude because they believe its perceived to be “disingenuous” or “awkward”.

Ironically, people have an easier time expressing negative emotions, and the consequences of that are measurable.?

The impact of negative emotions is toxic and responsible for a myriad of mental and physical health related problems.?

When employees suffer from mental and physical health issues the costs are calculable.

High performing teams don’t have these problems because the ratio of positive feedback to negative feedback is 5 to 1, according to research conducted by Marcial Losada. ??

So how do we make sure our people are happy, productive, and highly appreciated?

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” –?John F. Kennedy

Here are 8 reasons we need to be better about showing appreciation and ways we can show gratitude:

Give

We live in a world that embraces the idea that getting ahead requires looking out for yourself.? With this mindset it’s easy to be suspicious, lack trust and think poorly of most people.? Learning to give and see the best in other people offers each relationship a chance to germinate.? Exposing people’s greatness will make you better in the process.??

Attitude

When we focus on being positive our attitude changes.? Simply removing negative words from our vocabulary improves our attitude.? When we use positive words in the presence of the people we lead the effects are incredibly powerful.?

Performance

The amount of time and money companies spend on fashionable issues is astounding.? Employee engagement is no exception.? The problem is that if it isn’t practiced it has no impact.? Empowering people to give praise and recognition has an enormous impact on the organization.? Some studies show engagement increases by 50%!

Innovate

Organizations that create a culture of innovation win.? When individual workers realize they have the power to innovate, they do.? By encouraging our people to think creatively, they are free to innovate and explore.? That requires great leadership that coaches and mentors by offering lots of praise and appreciation.?

“Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life.”

Trust

Studies at Claremont University reveal recognition affects trust and the greatest impact is right after a goal has been met.? In private or public praise has a powerful impact.? Trust is created and trust leads to higher performance and work satisfaction.

Retain

When leaders take the time to recognize people the organization prospers.? The number one reason good people leave their job is poor leadership.? Employee retention improves dramatically when people feel personally understood and appreciated.

Impact

The impact of recognition is well documented.? One study showed work performance improved by 25%.? Simply appreciating someone’s exceptional work inspires greater effort in the future.? Everyone wins.

Cultivate

Great leaders cultivate amazing talent, and they encourage people to pass it on.? One study by OC Tanner Institute showed employees that received recognition did noticeably better quality work.? In fact, 90% did great work. Cultivating great talent requires time, effort, and offering plenty of accolades.?

“A grateful mind is a great mind which eventually attracts to itself great things" Plato

Sum it up.

Any other suggestions for improving our ability to show appreciation?? Share your thoughts in the comments section and please like and share this article. I love learning from you as well.

About Steve:

Steve Wohlenhaus is CEO of Weatherology, the leading company in the world at disseminating audio weather information.?? Steve began his career as a major market television weather anchor in Minneapolis, where he received several Emmy Awards for science programming.? Steve is an author and host of the podcast program Anatomy of Success.? Reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn.? Learn more about my work and grab the free Weatherology mobile app by clicking any picture in this article!