Happy Employee Appreciation Day! The university’s over 20,000 faculty and staff help make Michigan State University a leader in education and research. Your contributions are part of something bigger. Please enjoy this message of gratitude from Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Christina Brogdon.
Written by Sharri Margraves, Director for HR Organization and Professional Development
Often, when there is a mismatch of appreciation and acknowledgment preferences between co-workers or supervisors, it contributes to miscommunication and distrust. While this is less than scientific, taking the opportunity to learn your employees’ language of appreciation might just prompt some great conversations!
The five languages of appreciation at work are based on the popular book “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman, which suggests that people have different ways of expressing and receiving love within intrapersonal relationships. These love languages can also be applied in the workplace, as languages of appreciation, to create a more positive and supportive environment.
The five languages of appreciation at work are:
Use positive and encouraging words to affirm and motivate your employees who identify with words of affirmation as their language of appreciation. Offer frequent verbal and/or written praise for a job well done, share positive feedback at every opportunity, and express your gratitude for their hard work as often as you can.
Those who feel appreciated through quality time are most affirmed and engaged through your undivided attention and being fully present in the moment. Hold regular one-on-one meetings with these employees, take the time to listen to their concerns and ideas, and give them opportunities to share their thoughts and opinions.
If you have an employee whose language of appreciation is acts of service, show them that you care by doing things for them that make their work easier or more enjoyable. When possible, consider helping employees with tasks that they find challenging, offer training and development opportunities, and share resources and support to help them succeed.
People who feel appreciated by receiving gifts may enjoy when you’re able to provide small tokens to show that you value their contributions. Examples of using gifts include providing personalized company-branded items, giving employees gift cards or other small tokens of appreciation, or offering a special reward or incentive for a job well done. Read more about the employee gift policy on the Controller’s website here.
While physical touch may not be appropriate in all work environments, connection in some capacity can be a powerful way to show your employees that you care. Examples of connection in the workplace include attentive eye contact and warm smiles.
To use the languages of appreciation, it’s essential to understand your employees’ individual preferences and needs.
What’s Your Language of Appreciation? Take this quick quiz and find your most and least preferred languages.
Consider encouraging your employees to share their language of appreciation with you so that you can be sure to show gratitude and admiration for your employees in a way that resonates with them most. Languages of appreciation lead to stronger relationships, increased engagement and motivation, and a positive and supportive work environment.
The Languages of Appreciation Quiz, img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/a0310559-a281-42b3-b07f-42529301ff8d/downloads/languages_of_appreciation_quiz.pdf?ver=1671397699940.
