Employee Appreciation Day

Recognise Colleagues for their Efforts

The inherent nature of all living beings is to respond to appreciation and recognition. A word of appreciation, coming with emotion, evokes satisfaction. Feel-good factors emote, and it is a biochemical process. People build organisations, and the employees are the greatest assets. Employee Appreciation Day is observed every year on the first Friday in March (7^th March this year). The origin of the observation is traced back to Dr. Bob Nelson, a founding member of Recognition Professionals International in 1995. Researchers indicated that it lies in the chemistry of the brain. Studies show recognition and appreciation are essential drivers of employee happiness and engagement. A job well done, even a simple and routine job, brings satisfaction and enhances the motivation to continue to do well. Fostering a culture of appreciation should be a continuous effort. Show Your Appreciation Every Day.

Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your actions.
 Dalai Lama

The inherent nature of all living beings is to respond to appreciation and recognition. A word of appreciation, coming with emotion, evokes satisfaction. Feel-good factors emote, and it is a biochemical process. People build organisations, and the employees are the greatest assets. Enterprises grow with their employees’ commitment, hard work, and contributions. Recognising the task well executed and appreciating the same are the key motivational factors in the workplace. Employee Appreciation Day is observed every year on the first Friday in March (7^th March this year). The origin of the observation is traced back to Dr. Bob Nelson, a founding member of Recognition Professionals International in 1995. When it started, it was to celebrate his book “1,001 Ways to Reward Employees” publication. The observation has become an opportunity for managers and leadership to recognise employees’ contributions and appreciate their efforts.   

Happy employees contribute to a more productive and engaged workplace

Researchers indicated that it lies in the chemistry of the brain. When you are appreciated, your brain releases chemicals (neurotransmitters), like serotonin and dopamine, which make you feel happy.  It is a feedback loop working in the background. Research indicates that appreciation results in enhanced performance, job satisfaction, and the overall well-being of employees.

Studies show recognition and appreciation are essential drivers of employee happiness and engagement. A survey attributed to the workplace culture company “Great Place To Work” indicates that 37% of employees suggest that personal recognition motivates them to be more productive.  

Celebrating the Heart of the Organisation

There are numerous ways to express the appreciation. One size does not fit all when it comes to appreciation. Personalised thank-you notes go a long way. Researchers say that a verbal thank you is acceptable for more than 50% of people.  

Show Your Appreciation Every Day

A job well done, even a simple and routine job, brings satisfaction and enhances the motivation to continue to do well. When it comes to the workplace, there should be a realisation that the organisation combines those who want the work done and those who work. Often, monetary benefits do not motivate people to enhance their performance. As the joy of earning gets routine, small things like recognition for a task performed make employees continue to perform and contribute.

Fostering a culture of appreciation
should be a continuous effort.
Regular recognition contributes
to long-term employee satisfaction.

Toons: Anusha  

Logs: M Sai Baba

ToonLogs