CT Staffing and Recruiting News

The latest advice and best practices in hiring and careers.

The Appreciation Factor”

“Everyone wants to be appreciated, so if you appreciate someone, don’t keep it a secret.”                                                                           – Mary Kay Ash

Money talks, but it is not always the loudest voice. When it comes to happiness and contentment on the job, money may only whisper. When the goal is to inspire and motivate, money is quite often outdone by appreciation.

Human beings have a deep need to be recognized, to be appreciated. Sure, a good salary can be an incentive to perform, but without a sense that their efforts are appreciated, many a good employee will take a hike.

According to the folks at Business News Daily, “Though getting a raise or bonus is nice, it’s not the most important factor in employees’ happiness. Employees are motivated more by bosses who let their staff members know when they are doing a good job and advocate on their employees’ behalf.”

A study from Appirio, a provider of cloud-based worker and customer experience solutions, found appreciation to be more important to employees than the prospect of getting a promotion or even a cash bonus. When analyzing a job offer, 60% of survey respondents noted the most important factor was knowing whether management appreciated employees. In comparison, only 4% indicated their biggest concern to be with how often employees were evaluated for raises.

Many a boss and business owner remain skeptical that the value of workplace appreciation is as all-important as some make it out to be. However, few of those same men and women would argue the value of an engaged employee. Studies galore have proven the positive impact and long-term benefits across both sides of the employee equation when employees are engaged.

NEWSFLASH: Appreciation in the workplace is directly related to employee engagement.

A Glassdoor survey found 81% of employees are “motivated to work harder when their boss shows appreciation for their work.”  Additional benefits associated with open expressions of appreciation include:

  • Lower staff turnover
  • Fewer on-the-job accidents
  • Less employee theft
  • Higher customer ratings
  • Greater productivity

Why does appreciation increase engagement and factor into all those other positive benefits?

In a discussion about the importance of appreciation, Jack Vale makes a note of a fundamental element associated with the appreciation factor. “Positive feedback and messages of gratitude activate the hypothalamus – the area of the brain that controls the regulation of the ‘reward’ neurotransmitter called dopamine. A boost of this transmitter reduces stress, encourages better sleep habits, and generally increases a person’s wellness. Naturally, somebody who is well-rested and feeling good about life is going to give a stronger performance at work.”

Do not let uncertainty about the “how” of showing appreciation create a roadblock. A bit of brainstorming will uncover methods that fit well within your organization. But do remember that the simplest, and possibly the most effective form of appreciation involves positive feedback or praise. Sincere expressions, delivered in person, via email, or in a personal note, can be as simple as “Thank you for your effort.” “You’re doing a wonderful job.” “You are an asset to the company.”

A.R. Mazzotta appreciates the trust our clients place in our staffing services every day. Our team represents some of the most experienced job recruiters in Connecticut, employing, and placing approximately 1,000 candidates each year. Whether you’re a company looking to expand your workforce with temporary or direct hire employees, or you’re a job seeker ready to start a new career, we’re here to make your life easier and take you in the right direction. Call or text us today to connect with a real person.

 

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