Showing recognition and appreciation should not be a one-time event held during recognition programs, such as service awards, academic ceremonies, employee appreciation picnics, etc. It is something that should be done often and in a timely manner. It starts by looking for those moments when an employee has done something special. It can be after an employee or colleague has achieved a major accomplishment, but just as important, it should also be when an employee provides exceptional customer service, goes above and beyond to get the job done, has provides support to the team, or simply made another person’s day.
Showing recognition and appreciation is something that should be done often and in a timely manner. It starts by looking for those moments when an employee has done something special. It can be after an employee or colleague has achieved a major accomplishment, but just as important, it should also be when someone provides exceptional customer service, goes above and beyond to get the job done, provided support to the team, or simply made another person’s day.
Here are some ideas on ways to show appreciation often and timely:
- If you hear a positive remark about someone, go out of your way and repeat it to the person as soon as possible.
- At the beginning of a staff meeting, dedicate a bit of the agenda to share praise about members of the team and how their work is affecting the team, students, employees, and the university.
- Set a goal to show recognition and appreciation to three people every day. When you look for it, you find it.
When we recognize and show appreciation for each other, it creates a culture that is supportive and fun. This goes a long way toward instilling institutional pride and moving the NMSU mission forward.
Get started today and see how it makes you feel.
Keep it timely, do it often - in action |
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To promote a culture of recognition and appreciation, I was given a Recognition and Appreciation Box. This box is placed in my office where I or HRS team members can put notes, emails, gifts, etc. that show recognition and appreciation. Here are examples of what has been in my box:
During the monthly staff meeting the team gets to share what is in their box or just share appreciation. What is nice is when you go through the box, it helps you feel like you make a difference, and you are appreciated. - Jagan Butler |
If you have an idea on how to show recognition and appreciation and would like to share, please fill out the following form.
There are many ways to show appreciation, and according to the book, the 5 Languages of Appreciation: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People, it is important to pay attention to how an employee likes to be recognized. Like many things, we are all different and what one person values, another may not appreciate in the same way. Knowing this can help us better show our appreciation to others. Gary Chapman and Paul White have identified 5 languages of appreciation in their research. They found that we all have more than one language, but there is a primary language we prefer. When we know someone’s preferred language and use it when showing appreciation, it is more effective. Here are the five languages of appreciation and ways you can communicate them:
- Words of Affirmation – verbal acknowledgment that the work is appreciated. For example, you might say “excellent job,” or during a staff meeting share your appreciation publicly.
- Acts of Service – Show appreciation by doing things for the person. These acts are small gestures, like helping with a challenging project or taking care of a task that needs to be done. You can ask, ‘what can I do to help you?’ or just do a task you know the person will appreciate.
- Receiving Gifts – this language is about providing material objects to say 'thank you'. Providing plaques, gift cards, knickknacks, or presents are great ways to show appreciation for this group. Paying attention to your coworker’s hobbies and interests can help you identify gifts they will enjoy.
- Quality Time – here it is about your time. You can organize a one-on-one walking meeting where you give the person your undivided attention. Short meetings to do updates and team events are other good options.
- Physical Touch – some people prefer appreciation by way of physical touch. This must be done with discretion. Simple actions like a high five, handshake, or fist bump are examples of ways to speak this language of appreciation.
In addition to understanding that different people prefer different ways of being appreciated, it is also important to do the little things to make the appreciation special and authentic. For example, add your personal touch through a handwritten message or a small gift that aligns with the person’s values, interests, or hobbies.
If you are interested in learning more about the 5 Languages of Appreciation, contact trainingcentral@nmsu.edu.
If you have an idea on how to show recognition and appreciation and would like to share it with the ARA program, please fill out the Ideas Worth Sharing Form. We’ll review and possibly add it to our toolbox.
There is an expectation that supervisors need to recognize the efforts of their team members and show appreciation for the contributions employees make, but this can only go so far. To truly create a culture of appreciation, all employees get involved in recognizing each other. Everyone has a role, and here are a few ideas:
- Set an example by showing recognition and appreciation for the work of peers. There are many ideas in this toolbox.
- Encourage colleagues to send notes of appreciation to one another.
- Submit a Shout-Out to the campus community to recognize someone for their professional excellence.
- Join the Crimson Awards, Recognition, and Appreciation workgroup and help promote a culture of appreciation. Contact trainingcentral@nmsu.edu to learn more.
If you have an idea on how to show recognition and appreciation and would like to share it with the ARA program, please fill out the Ideas Worth Sharing Form. We’ll review and possibly add it to our toolbox.
