Words have power; let’s use them.

In our expert series "Appreciate with Nais," Ewa Michalska, Recruitment Services Director at Grafton Recruitment, writes. According to her, each of us has a need to be understood, noticed, and appreciated. It is a natural psychological mechanism that motivates us to act.

Today, employee appreciation is of particular importance. Most companies that had the option are now working partially remotely. Returns to the office are becoming more frequent, but in many cases, working from home will become the new norm. This new reality presents many challenges, including those related to maintaining a sense of community and striving towards a common goal among employees. For this to be possible within a group, every team member must feel appreciated. A quarter of remote work has shown that it is challenging but not impossible. It doesn’t matter whether we give a kind word face-to-face or through an online communicator. What matters is that we do it.

We need to remember that feeling recognized for a job well done affects satisfaction levels, which in turn helps build the employer brand. A satisfied employee is much more likely to speak positively about the company. This is crucial, especially now, when many companies have decided to reduce staff or employee salaries to preserve financial stability. Numerous studies conducted even before the coronavirus pandemic indicated that salary is an important but not always the most critical motivator and factor influencing job satisfaction. Words also have power.

Regular praise requires effort because its individual nature is important, and this, in turn, requires time. There can be no such thing as "universal feedback" – each person should be praised for their specific achievements and successes. Attempts at universalization are usually perceived by employees as insincerity.

We must also remember that appreciation is not just the domain of the boss. In my opinion, it is essential to develop a culture of praise within teams, regardless of position, company hierarchy, or length of service. Sometimes a good, unsolicited word from a colleague sitting at the next desk is even more valuable than one from a manager.

AUTHOR: Ewa Michalska, Recruitment Services Director at Grafton Recruitment

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