Would you believe that the number one factor in job satisfaction is validation from others in a workplace through appreciation and encouragement?
Each of us wants to know that what we do matters. Appreciation communicates a sense of respect and value for a person and helps create healthy workplace relationships. Individuals at any level within an organization have an opportunity to make a significant impact by showing appreciation and encouragement to those with whom they work.
Gary Chapman and Paul White (2019) list four languages of appreciation in the workplace: words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, and tangible gifts. We may complete the Motivating by Appreciation Survey to find out our first and second languages of appreciation (https://apics-fraservalley.org/images/meeting/012319/languages_of_appreciation_quiz.pdf). The Appreciation at Work model is based on the following principles (p.117).
- There are different ways to communicate appreciation and encouragement to others.
- An individual will value a certain language more than another.
- The most effective communication of appreciation and encouragement occurs when the message is sent in the language of appreciation most valued by the receiver.
- Messages of appreciation and encouragement in languages not valued by the recipient will tend to miss the mark.
Through authentic appreciation and encouragement – whether it is words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, or tangible gifts – we enjoy our work more and are motivated to preserve despite challenges. All of us thrive in a culture of appreciation. When each of us feels truly valued, good results follow.
Reference
Chapman G. and White P. (2019). The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. Chicago, IL: Northfield Publishing
Additional Resources
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