Appreciation at work: Being seen and giving honest recognition #
Appreciation is more than just a friendly “thank you” - it is the foundation for a healthy, productive and humane working environment. But it often falls by the wayside. In this blog post, I would like to talk about why appreciation is so important, where it is lacking and how we can all help to make it a natural part of our everyday working lives.
Why appreciation is essential #
Appreciation means that people are seen and recognized in their work and their person. It is not about exaggerating every small contribution, but about showing genuine recognition for specific achievements and behaviors.
A fair salary, healthy communication at eye level and honest praise are key components for me. It’s about conveying the feeling: “Your contribution counts, I see you as an important part of the whole and recognize how you contribute to success.”
Where appreciation is often lacking #
An example that moves me personally: in many projects, the manager or seller is praised at the end, as they are the first recipients of customer feedback. However, it is often the employees who carry out the work who make the decisive difference and make the customer really happy. However, this performance often remains invisible as the focus is placed on closing the sale or higher-level coordination. Although praise is passed on by the manager or seller, this is often only done with a general “well done” instead of honest, specific feedback that recognizes the exact performance and individual contribution to success. How much more powerful would it be if the thanks went directly to those who deserve it and success was actually made tangible?
One reason for these failures is certainly that managers are often very busy. But this is precisely where a routine should be established: Pausing regularly, recognizing achievements and giving honest feedback. It certainly takes a little time, but it can make a huge difference.
How can we live appreciation? #
Managers and colleagues alike can promote a culture of appreciation. Here are some approaches:
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Giving specific feedback: Instead of general praise such as “Well done”, it is more effective to highlight specific achievements. For example: “Your commitment during the customer presentation was a decisive factor in us getting the order” or “You really put a lot of thought into the order! Probably no one else could have done it like that.”
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Regular discussions: Create space for personal discussions in which not only technical topics but also individual needs and wishes are discussed.
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Transparency and honesty: Appreciation also means communicating openly and honestly with each other. Avoid empty phrases and show genuine empathy.
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Praise not only “from the top down”: Colleagues can also appreciate each other. A quick “Thank you for helping me with my schedule today” often works wonders.
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Establish appreciation in the team: Make appreciation an integral part of your team culture. For example, through rituals such as an “appreciation round” in meetings, where everyone says something positive about a colleague.
Why it’s worth it #
A work culture based on appreciation not only promotes the well-being of employees, but also increases productivity and the quality of collaboration. Appreciation not only shows people that they are part of the whole, but also makes it clear how their individual contribution contributes to success. Those who really feel seen in their performance and role are more motivated, more creative and, above all, more loyal to the company.
Conclusion: Small gestures, big impact #
Appreciation starts small: a brief word of praise, an honest conversation, an open thank you. But their impact is immense. If we all - managers and employees alike - have the courage to show more appreciation, we will create a working environment that not only works, but also inspires.
Perhaps it’s time for you to pause and ask yourself: Who do I want to appreciate today? And how do I want to live appreciation in the future? Every step counts.