The role of Thank You and Recognition in the workplace

Imagine this… you’ve worked your butt off on a project. Something additional to your regular workload. The team was great. The work was interesting, but by golly, it took it out of you. The pressure and the additional hours you put in really felt like a lot. But you knew it was only temporary. And you love to be involved and busy. The result was great, and the success was sweet.

Now imagine this… you’ve literally devoted your life to this project for the past two months. Worked all the hours, and put so much energy and effort into it. And no one has said anything to you about this effort. A quick ‘phew’ was all you got from your team leader and even less further up. How do you feel? I bet a little deflated. Coming off of the high of a massive project, with an outcome better than was expected, you’re probably knackered and looking at your regular workload as a quiet retreat. Would it be too much to be acknowledged for your effort and recognised for all that was put in by the team? Feel the resentment settle and the very real possibility of considering your options.

Let’s look at this from an alternative perspective… 

The team dug deep and delivered the project on deadline and beyond what was expected. High fives all round and a well-earned team meal out. Your team leader thanks everyone personally for their effort and time. Congratulations on what was a team effort to accomplish. And even less expected, but hugely appreciated, was the thank you from the boss. They commented on how well the team worked together and acknowledged your effort personally, even drawing on your personal contribution. 

These are fairly extreme examples of the value of recognition in the workplace but a great illustration of how it can go so well, but also so badly. 

Culture of Recognition

Most people in a workplace want to put the work in, whether it is day to day, on a project, or possibly stepping up when it’s necessary (boss is away, or there’s a gap while a new team member is hired). And they will deliver. However, if this performance or delivery of work that is above and beyond the remit is never acknowledged, it very quickly can turn to resentment and reluctance to do so again. 

Creating a culture of recognition or even the most simple ‘thank you’ helps to engender goodwill, good feelings, and a workplace that values its people. There’s that word again: ‘value’. I often talk about the value of your work, where your values lie, and how your work aligns. When you put effort and energy into your work life, like it or not, you expect it to be noticed and acknowledged. 

Being the change

Always remember, it goes both ways. You also have the power to recognise co-workers, your boss, or the receptionist (sometimes, especially, those that keep the office wheels oiled) for their contributions. A quick ‘thank you so much, what you did means a lot to me, you made the project…’ Or an email to your boss recognising when someone else has made a positive impact on your working day, or project. 

Making it a regular part of your vocabulary and interactions (while remaining genuine) can buoy even the trickiest of times. When in the midst of a project that is challenging, a chat over where you’re at and ending with ‘thank you - you are doing a great job, and we couldn’t do it without you’ can help diffuse angst and bring the team together.

Great Leadership

It’s great leaders that know they are only as good as the people they lead. Understanding what each of your team members brings to the table, recognising their strengths (and weaknesses). Acknowledging when they are delivering will help create a work environment where people feel valued for what they bring and that they are on track. And keeping everyone on board.

Not only does a culture of recognition help keep spirits up, but it also empowers those to stand in their accomplishments and aim higher. Confidence is increased and, if used genuinely, can increase collaboration and connection.

Giving recognition (and receiving) has a positive impact not only on the wider culture of the team, but physiologically it has a huge impact on how we feel and behave. By giving recognition or a simple thank you we feel a sense of warmth towards the recipient and engage with ‘gifting’ this to them. As a recipient, it is important to acknowledge this with grace. And the warmth and goodwill flows both ways. Softening any hard feelings and strengthening the connection.

I would love to hear how you’re being the change in your workplace and recognising the impact those around you make. Reach out on LinkedIn.

If you would like to know more about Self Leadership, take a read of my blog on Start with yourself: Self Leadership Coaching for more on the benefits of looking at your own value system.

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