The other day, a client was telling me how her team member was disappointed that she didn’t recognise his achievement in the team meeting. She had given him
There’s a common misconception out there, that most people value monetary rewards – salary, bonuses etc. However this is far from the truth – numerous studies, such as McKinsey’s, have shown that non-monetary incentives were more motivating to employees than monetary rewards. Praise from the employee’s manager, attention from leaders, and the opportunity to lead projects were more motivating and rewarding than financial incentive.
In fact, 19% of employees left their job for a better salary, whereas 79% of employees cite lack of appreciation as a key factor to quitting.
On the flip side, when team members truly feel appreciated, the practical benefits to an organization are numerous and easily identified. Multiple research findings including lower staff turnover, higher productivity, increased profits and higher customer service ratings. (as discussed in the book “The Vibrant Workplace” by Dr Paul White).
Appreciation or Recognition?
This is important because often only the top 10-15% of employees are recognized for high level performance, which leaves 50-60% of your solid middle team members who never hear anything. Appreciation fills the gaps. It also builds trusting, authentic relationships, as appreciation is based in a person-to-person relationship
The Five Languages of Appreciation
Often we give appreciation in the same way we would like to receive it – and sometimes our appreciation falls flat as it is the least appreciated of someone’s five languages. offended she was that her team member didn’t appreciate the gift she’d given him for his birthday. And that she was disappointed that sent an e-Card for her birthday, when she always goes out of her way to source thoughtful presents for her team-members. My client clearly values gifts as a her primary language of appreciation, and the words of affirmation.
Understanding a person’s primary language of appreciation is the key to expressing your appreciation in a way that resonates with the individual. This enhances connection, motivation and enthusiasm of both parties.
Let’s take a look at the Five Languages of Appreciation:
- Words of Affirmation – Some employees appreciate verbal acknowledgment that their work, behaviour or character is appreciated. There are nuances of how you deliver words of affirmation – some people prefer private recognition, either one on one or written, where as others like to be praised publicly. Of course, the praise needs to be specific and relevant – don’t just give praise for the sake of it, or it will sounds hollow.
- Acts of Service – is providing support and assistance – as they say “actions speak louder than words”. Small gestures that show workers they are valued can go a long way. Service-based acts could include: helping with a project, assisting with tech issues, running an errand or delivering lunch or coffee. If you choose to show appreciation in this way, make you are helping with something the person wants help with, and do the job they way they want (don’t take over and make changes or the appreciation will lose its value).
- Receiving Gifts – Some employees value material objects as a sign of being rewarded for great performance. Gifts don’t need to be expensive but should be thoughtful and meaningful to the individual receiving them – it could be movie or sports tickets, a restaurant voucher or hamper for a food lover, or even some extra time off. Monetary rewards such as a bonus are also highly valued by these people.
- Quality Time – is giving someone your focussed attention, with a genuine desire to understand them better. This could be in the form of one-on-one meetings, quality conversations or shared experiences, like a cocktail making class with the team. Quality face time is a symbol of appreciation and belongingness in the workplace. If a leader simply sends “good job” emails, this won’t resonate as well with an employee whose primary language of appreciation is quality time.
- Physical Touch – while this last act of appreciation needs to be carefully managed, it’s important to note that some people value a high five, fist bump, pat or on the back to celebrate an achievement. Understanding whether co-workers like to be hugged or not is also relevant here. Personal boundaries are important to keep in mind with this language of appreciation.
