Power of Appreciation: Fueling Employee Engagement and Success

H&R Block's Associate Appreciation Week (Feb 24 - March 1) emphasizes that appreciation should be ongoing, but this week is our chance to truly celebrate! It is our special time to shine an extra-bright spotlight on those who make our company strong. Seeing all the appreciations going around, I was reflecting on my journey on how grateful I am for the motivation and support I've received along the way.

For me, appreciation goes beyond HR buzzwords. I've seen how a simple 'thank you' or thoughtful gesture can light up someone's day, make them feel confident, and inspire even greater effort. I've been lucky to have great managers who made this real for me. True appreciation isn't just about empty words – it's about recognizing our individual worth and showing that our work truly matters. It's more than cliche words or gestures – it validates our unique contributions and demonstrates that our work is seen and valued. And there is science behind it too.

The Science Behind Appreciation (and How it Feels)

• Neuroscience: Expressions of appreciation activate the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine – the feel-good neurotransmitter linked to motivation, performance, and overall well-being. I can attest that when someone takes the time to acknowledge my work, it's like a little jolt of happiness.
• Psychology: Sincere appreciation fosters feelings of belonging, value, and respect. Research shows that employees who feel appreciated are more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal to their organizations. Being appreciated makes me feel like I belong, that what I do matters. It's this sense of connection that translates into a desire to give my best for the team.
• Business Impact: Studies by Gallup and others demonstrate a strong link between employee recognition and key metrics like customer satisfaction, retention rates, and even profitability. It's not just theory – I've seen how morale and productivity soar when appreciation is part of the company culture. Including this representation that I liked very much recently in this regard. Courtesy and Copyright of this image goes to Justin Wright.

3 Quotes that Capture the Essence of Appreciation

These 3 quotes resonated with me deeply, encapsulating why appreciation is so powerful in the workplace:

• "People work for money but go the extra mile for recognition, praise, and rewards." – Dale Carnegie This highlights that while compensation is fundamental, appreciation is the fuel that drives true passion and dedication.
• "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." – William Arthur Ward Appreciation shouldn't be a private thought. Expressing it spreads positivity and creates a ripple effect of generosity.
• "Appreciation can make a day – even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary." – Margaret Cousins This emphasizes the profound impact of simple words of appreciation. They have the power to transform someone's outlook and inspire them to do their best work.

Appreciation in Action at H&R Block – Where I Feel It

At H&R Block, appreciation lives and breathes. Here's are top three things what truly stands out for me though there are another 100.

• Online Platforms: Getting a virtual shout-out on XOXO or Blockstars isn't just about the recognition itself; it's seeing colleagues celebrating each other – that builds a real sense of community.
• Associate Appreciation Week: It's more than the events (though those are fun!). It's the collective sentiment of gratitude that reminds me why I'm proud to be part of this team.
• Post-Tax Season Reboot: Not a lot of companies gives one full week vacation together for entire enterprise. This tells me the company understands and truly values the intensity of our busiest season. It's not just about words, it's about giving us real time to recover and come back stronger.

Let's Make Appreciation the Norm – Together

The impact of appreciation is undeniable – I've experienced it, and I'll continue to champion it throughout my career. It's undeniably a win-win, lifting up individuals and propelling organizations forward.

Here's my call to action: Let's commit to normalizing genuine appreciation, weaving it into the fabric of our daily interactions at work. Imagine the workplaces we could create – vibrant, supportive, and filled with people who feel valued and motivated to excel.

#PowerofAppreciation #ServantLeadership #Recognition