A Simple Hello: The Key to Employee Recognition

I remember one of my first retail jobs vividly—not just for the work but for the way it made me feel.

The store owner, someone I looked up to because of his media presence on TV and radio, would visit from time to time. Each time, he'd walk past me and the rest of the team without even a "hello." It bothered me. I couldn’t understand it.

At the time, the team was small—just a handful of us. We weren’t strangers. We worked hard to keep the business running. Yet, every time he came in, his silence left a mark.

One day, I finally opened up to my manager, who happened to be the owner’s cousin. I asked, “Why doesn’t he say hi to anyone? Is that just how things are done here?” I was careful to say it wasn’t about causing trouble—I was genuinely curious.

I’ll never forget what my manager, Regis Oppenheimer , said: “He should acknowledge everyone, because our jobs are personal to us.”

That stuck with me.

Our jobs are personal.

Think about it—our names are attached to everything we do. When people talk about our work, they’re talking about us. It’s impossible to completely separate our feelings from our jobs because they’re tied to our reputations.

And yet, at that moment, I felt invisible. I was excited to work for someone I admired, but I couldn’t help feeling like I didn’t matter. That small act of acknowledgment—just saying “hello”—could have made a world of difference.

Thankfully, my manager took the feedback and spoke to him. After that, things changed. The owner began greeting us, even stopping for brief chats. It wasn’t much, but it meant everything.

Looking back, I really appreciate Regis for taking the time to listen to my concerns and act on them. It wasn’t a grand gesture, but it made a lasting impact on me. That’s leadership—showing your team they matter, even in the smallest ways.

All of this made me realize that recognition isn’t just about bonuses, promotions, or public praise. It’s as simple as a smile, a greeting, a moment of eye contact that says, I see you, and you matter.

The numbers don’t lie—people leave jobs because they feel unappreciated. A study showed that 46% of Americans have left a job for this reason[1], while 44% say they’re planning to leave because of a lack of recognition.[2] Even more shocking? More than 80% of employees say they would work harder if they simply felt more appreciated.[3]

We tend to think of recognition in big, formal ways, but it’s really about the smallest things. Saying "Hi, Frank. How are you?" can shift someone's entire perspective. It makes them feel seen. It reminds them they belong.

It’s human nature—we all want to feel acknowledged. Think about the last time you saw someone you knew at a party. You probably smiled, waved, or even shouted their name across the room. Why? Because you wanted to recognize them, and you wanted them to recognize you too. Work isn’t any different.

As leaders—whether by title or by influence—we have a responsibility to recognize our teams. Leadership isn’t just about setting goals or driving performance; it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued. Think about it, they look up to you.

And it doesn’t take much. A simple “hello” can transform someone’s day. It can turn a rough morning into a better afternoon. It can remind someone that they matter.

So, as a Leader, the next time you walk into the office, pause for a moment. Look around. Say hi and ask how someone is doing. You never know how much it might mean to them.

Because at the end of the day, we all just want to feel like we belong. Don’t you think? Would this mean something to you?

[1] Nearly Half of Americans Quit Their Jobs Because They Feel Unappreciated by Management | GOBankingRates

[2] 27 Essential Employee Recognition Statistics [2023]: Need To Know Facts For Managers And HR - Zippia

[3] 50 Must-Know Employee Recognition Statistics in 2025 - SSR Here's the No. 1 reason why employees quit their jobs