I’ve been thinking quite a lot about how appreciation actually shows up at work, beyond the usual “good job” at the end of a busy week. In my last role, feedback was rare, and it slowly chipped away at motivation, even though the team itself was solid. I’m curious how others handle this in their workplaces. What genuinely makes employees feel appreciated in a way that feels natural rather than forced or box-ticking?
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That’s a great point, and it really resonates with my experience as well. I’ve worked in teams where appreciation wasn’t about grand gestures at all, but about consistency and small, thoughtful actions. For example, one manager I had made a habit of mentioning specific contributions in weekly catch-ups, not in front of everyone, but one-to-one. It felt personal and sincere, which mattered more than any generic praise.
I recently read an article that explored this idea quite well, focusing on practical ways to ensure people feel valued without overcomplicating things: https://www.emchat.net/emchat/2023/1/12/ways-to-ensure-employees-feel-appreciated-at-work . What stood out to me was the emphasis on listening properly and recognising effort, not just results. In reality, employees often know when appreciation is genuine, and when it’s just policy-driven. Creating a culture where people feel seen seems to be the real challenge, especially in busy or remote teams.