The best 5 languages of employee appreciation

There is no universally accepted method of employee recognition. However, providing the best 5 languages of employee appreciation, as well as rewards that they’ll appreciate most, can keep your employees motivated and engaged. In conclusion, this post describes the best 5 languages of employee appreciation at work and the best practices for implementing them at your workplace.

Three Guiding Principles

Appreciation doesn’t feel the same for everyone.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to employee appreciation, which is the first principle to understand. However, we take the same action for everyone—such as sending a quick “thank you” email—because we don’t know what other options exist or do not think about them.

Not everyone responds well to praise.
Although words are the most commonly used language of appreciation, most employees value other types of gratitude. Therefore, matching your appreciation expressions to employee preferences could make a far more significant impact.

A genuine and regular expression of appreciation is most effective
Thanking your employees is about showing them that you appreciate them by making them feel heard, valued, and seen. Thus, the best way to accomplish this is to communicate appreciation consistently, personally, and authentic. 

Putting the 5 languages of Employee Appreciation into practice at work

1. Words of Affirmation- Most employees prefer verbal acknowledgement when appreciated for their work. Some of the tips to help you use words of affirmation are:
a) Use the Situation-Behaviour-Impact Feedback to communicate appreciation.
b) Before you share your words of affirmation, ask your employees whether they are comfortable receiving it in public or privately.

2. Quality Time- ‍‍ With hybrid work becoming increasingly popular, receiving focused attention can be, for instance, a meaningful way for employees to feel appreciated. Here are two ways to add quality time to daily work:
a) Expand your team meetings beyond status updates to any concerns and suggestions on other topics.
b) In addition, coworkers offering guidance, expertise, and upskilling tips in the form of formal and informal mentorship can be a promising avenue for quality time.

3. Acts of Service- Small acts of appreciation can support or brighten someone’s day. Consider the following tips for incorporating more acts of service at work:
a) Consider creating processes that split different tasks evenly between team members.
b) Do small things such as providing extra coffee or dinner for coworkers working overtime.

4. Receiving Gifts- Consider rewarding coworkers for their exemplary contributions. Additionally, some tips for gift-giving are:
a) Get personal gifts for coworkers similar to their interests or preferences.
b) As a gift, give them a day off to refresh and spend quality time with their families.

5. Physical Touch- Using physical touch appropriately in the workplace is essential. With this in mind, here are some tips:
a) Physical touch elicits different levels of comfort for everyone. To avoid discomfort, always ask before engaging in physical contact.
b) Take it in stride if someone asks not to be touched since it could be a consequence of their negative experiences or personal preferences.

Get In Touch
​VeiraMal Consulting is an expert in helping businesses raise their standards. So, getting in touch with us can help you go above and beyond your employees’ expectations. You can view all of our services and packages here.  
The information contained in this blog is general in nature. Therefore, if you are unsure how this applies to you, please contact us at VeiraMal Consulting. Our HR consultants will be happy to guide you through this.