The importance of appreciation in the working world

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Happy New Year! We hope you had a great start into 2023. This year will bring new chances and opportunities but also old familiar challenges. The shortage of skilled workers will continue to be an ongoing problem this year. In order to retain its workforce, companies must show appreciation for their employees. But why is that? Why is the need for appreciation a human one? What does it mean for companies and leaders and how can it be passed on to the workforce?

?? The importance of appreciation

Appreciation is a basic human need. No matter whether in a private or professional context, we desire recognition and praise and constantly strive for it. It increases our performance and motivation immensely. A survey of everyday experiences from 2019 found that about 60% of respondents have been shown appreciation at work, with 55% also having experienced disdain. 60 percent is a relatively low percentage, as employee appreciation should be much higher. When employees receive appreciation, they tend to be more enthusiastic and open about their jobs. Honest and sincere appreciation also has positive effects on their health. In most cases, employees feel better, are happier and the risk of depression is also reduced. Another factor why employee appreciation is so important is that the workforce is more loyal to the company. Absence from work is also rarer, which is an advantage for the organization.

???? How managers can show appreciation to their employees

There is often a misconception among managers that their employees already know that they are appreciated. However, appreciation should be actively expressed and shown. This does not require major gestures; even small things can have a big impact. The following outlines various non-financial approaches that managers can use to show appreciation to their employees.

1. Personal exchange is important to give employees the feeling of being seen. This can be at a recurring jour fix or lunch meeting. Here, it is also important to ask about the well-being of the employee and also to clarify personal matters. Further development opportunities can also be discussed in this context to show the employee that he or she is being seen and is not stagnating.
2. When making important decisions, it is helpful to involve the team and ask for advice. This also makes sense, as their knowledge and expertise is in demand and valued.
3. Small tokens of appreciation, such as a card on special occasions, are greatly appreciated by employees because they are very personal and show that managers care about the people in their team.
4. Personal thank-you notes are usually more valued than digital messages.
5. Feedback after a presentation, for example, also shows appreciation for the employee and increases motivation. Managers who are accepting feedback from their staff also express a sense of appreciation.
6. It should be avoided to treat employees differently. Managers should not have favorites and should treat all team members equally.
7. A final but very important aspect is listening attentively during a conversation. Even in remote conversations, it is noticeable when the other person is distracted or inattentive. This usually leads to frustration, whereas attentive listening is very beneficial for the relationship between employer and employee.

???? Appreciation is a must-have in a healthy work environment

Appreciation costs time and effort. Especially in home offices and remote work, appreciation is often forgotten, since personal contact is also reduced. This makes it even more important for managers to overcome this hurdle and take targeted measures that express appreciation. However, not only managers can show appreciation to their employees. Employees are also required to show appreciation to their managers on a regular basis, which can also take the form of constructive feedback. Colleagues should also learn how to work in an appreciative manner. Especially after the covid pandemic and the establishment of flexible working, interaction with each other is becoming increasingly important. This includes appreciation and mutual trust in order to continue to have fun at work and to be able to work in a motivated working environment.

?? Key take-aways

• The need of appreciation is human
• There is a positive impact of appreciation on the (mental) health and motivation of employees
• Appreciation should be communicated actively
• Showing appreciation should be done personally and on a regular basis
• Listening attentively and taking time are important components of appreciation

You can check out our recent LinkedIn posts or talk to our internal communication experts if you want to know more about internal communication or related topics.?

?? Sources:

Frankfurter Allgemeine (2022) Warum Wertsch?tzung im Job so wichtig ist. https://www.faz.net/aktuell/karriere-hochschule/warum-wir-wertschaetzung-im-job-brauchen-18253866.html , retrieved 11.01.2023.

Frankfurter Allgemeine Personaljournal (n.d.) Wertsch?tzung ist kein Kuschelfaktor, sondern eine notwendige Grundlage. https://www.faz-personaljournal.de/nachrichten/neues-denken/wertschaetzung-ist-kein-kuschelfaktor-sondern-eine-notwendige-grundlage-1505/ , retrieved 11.01.2023.

Merkur (2022). Wertsch?tzung im Job: Zw?lf Merkmale, wie wichtig Sie Ihrem Unternehmen sind. https://www.merkur.de/leben/karriere/fehlende-wertschaetzung-job-anzeichen-beruf-unternehmen-egal-merken-zr-91616418.html , retrieved 11.01.2023.

Personio (n.d.) Wertsch?tzung von Mitarbeitenden: Beispiele & Etablierung im Unternehmen.?https://www.personio.de/hr-lexikon/mitarbeiter-wertschaetzung/ , retrieved 11.01.2023.

t3n (2022) Wie Wertsch?tzung die Arbeitswelt der n?chsten Jahre ver?ndern wird. https://t3n.de/news/wertschaetzung-feedback-benefits-1499985/ , retrieved 11.01.2023.