Which company do you prefer to work for? A company that has appreciative managers and constantly seeks to show its appreciation to the workforce, or a company where no one notices the extent of your efforts and makes no effort to improve the work environment?
Numerous studies have proven that appreciation in the workplace has many benefits. From strengthening team communication to improving employee morale and performance. But how should leaders and managers incorporate gratitude into the organizational culture?
Labor Appreciation Benefits
Altruism has a two-way effect; What does this mean? It means that kind behavior affects both the person himself and his audience. Kind behavior causes the release of oxytocin, which is known as the love hormone. Oxytocin plays a vital role in creating social and emotional bonds. Gratitude also has a similar effect; with the difference that its effect is multiple. Appreciation affects both the person who is grateful, the recipient, and those who witness it happen.
In addition to giving the grateful person a good feeling, gratitude creates a desire to help others. This is the result of a research on students’ behavior. Research participants were asked to edit their classmates’ letters of recommendation. These students received a neutral or thank you message after their work. Students who were thanked were twice as likely to help their classmate in the future.
Expressing gratitude strengthens relationships and gives the observer a good feeling and intimacy (toward the giver and receiver of the behavior). Good behavior benefits everyone. Showing appreciation improves work environment culture and reduces misbehavior between colleagues.
If you are still not convinced to express your gratitude in the workplace, consider the benefits of gratitude Mental health in the workplaceIt has been scientifically proven. What benefits? For example, lowering blood pressure and increasing levels of heart rate variability (HRV), both indicators of physical health. Another new study found that those who are more grateful are less likely to die. That alone should be enough to create a culture of gratitude.
How to spread gratitude in the workplace?
Gratitude is a small action that has a huge impact. We don’t have to do hard work or buy expensive gifts to show gratitude. For gratitude or appreciation, this simple greeting or sending a respectful short message is also a source of encouragement. Organizational leaders can create a culture of appreciation in the workplace with some actions.
In the days leading up to the New Year, remote and online appreciation sessions can be held. In these meetings, everyone from managers to job seekers participate, and everyone is given time to express their appreciation with a few words. These meetings greatly strengthen the morale of the team members. Installing appreciation boards is also very effective. Virtual boards can also be created for remote employees.
Thanking managers for the hard work of employees throughout the year can be done by holding team celebrations. Small to big celebrations, with surprises and special guests, or doing activities and participating in fun events together, become memorable in the minds of employees.
Managers can also give gifts to employees using different methods. From paid time off to days off or working part-time on some days for extra rest. For example, LinkedIn gives a week of unpaid leave to all its employees, or Slack spends Fridays without meetings so that employees can get to work or relax more. These creative activities, while thanking employees for their work, reduce their mental and emotional exhaustion.
Committing to employee work-life balance is a surefire way to thank your workforce while boosting morale and changing the mood of the entire company. By regularly expressing appreciation within the company, managers can create a supportive and motivating work environment where everyone feels valued. This gift is likely to keep your organization going all year long.
How important do you consider the appreciation of organizational managers?
Appreciation of the employee is the most important factor in retaining the force. Studies show that a simple expression of gratitude strengthens the bond between team members and enhances interaction in the workplace.
In your opinion, how effective is appreciation in retaining the workforce? Do you consider gratitude to be so important that you can call it the most important management strategy? If so, what methods do you suggest for expressing gratitude in the workplace? Please share your thoughts with us and other How To readers.
Source: fastcompany
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