SURVEY SAYS: Feeling Appreciated at Work

Last week, I asked NewsDash readers, “Do you feel appreciated at work, and what forms, if any, of appreciation does your company show?”

More than half (53.5%) of responding readers indicated they feel appreciated at work. More than one-third (34.9%) said they feel appreciated sometimes, while 11.6% said they do not feel appreciated.

Asked what forms of appreciation their companies show, 65.1% chose “verbal, written or emailed thanks,” and 51.2% selected “appreciation get-togethers, such as luncheons or picnics.” Nearly half (46.5%) said their employers give verbal recognition of employees at team meetings, and 44.2% reported their companies give bonuses.

An employee of the month, quarter, year, etc. program is offered by 23.3% of respondents’ firms, 20.9% offer gifts to employees and 9.3% provide a day off. Seven percent of respondents indicated their firms offer no forms of appreciation. “Other” responses included a paycheck; gift cards, truck raffle based on years of service, company-paid vacations; a recognition program where your peers can give you points , you can then pick a gift with your points; service anniversary gifts every five years; awards/plaques; and monetary awards.

In verbatim comments, many folks said monetary showings of appreciate are the best, while others said a simple “thank you” or “good job” would suffice. Some noted the importance of co-workers showing appreciation for each other. There were comments about what appreciation, or lack thereof, does to workers. Editor’s Choice goes to the person who said, “People are often recognized via additional responsibilities for the same compensation.” 

Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey!

Verbatim

Showing appreciation is left to individual supervisors. Some are great and others give no feedback, forget something as superfluous as appreciation!

It's not so much what the company shows as much as it is being appreciated by those I work with.

I think most people just want their manager to recognize their hard work - looking directly at them and saying thank you goes a long way.

I remember the last time my boss said ANYTHING about my contribution to the organization... it was positive and more than 6 months ago. I'm currently seeking a new job with a more collaborative team environment.

Although the bonuses come from the company, most appreciation comes directly from my supervisor. He even gave a portion of his annual bonus to his direct reports!

I occasionally receive verbal affirmations from senior officials that I'm doing good work and that I am appreciated which means more to me than gifts or money.

I try to do my best at work each day regardless of any encouraging words, which are few & far between. When I retire, maybe they will appreciate me.

It starts, and ends, with cash.

While I feel very appreciated, it does not always make up for the chaotic and stressful environment.

While our boss does not give verbal accolades, he is very generous in financial ways.

It's like the company does everything in its power to make you feel unappreciated.

I'm working for the best company I've ever worked for! I feel loved on a daily basis. I am happy to get up and come to work each day.

Verbatim (cont.)

The only form of appreciation that I want is money.

It seems that appreciation should be expressed for tasks that are over and above a person's day-to-day activity. However, many times when I hear appreciation expressed, I think, isn't that their job anyway? It would be more meaningful it there were a distinction between appreciation for showing up and doing your job every day and going over and above what is expected.

I see all around me people not giving the extra effort (sometimes just an honest effort) for clients knowing that anything extra will be ignored and if things don't work out positively, and will be criticized for trying to do too much if they don't work out...

How an employee is treated greatly affects their work, attitude and outlook. Someone who is appreciated is usually happier and more productive. Someone who feels unappreciated can be depressed, unwilling to put in the extra effort in their job and generally be unhappy. This type of attitude can affect their entire team. It doesn't take much to make an employee feel appreciated. A simple good morning, thank you, or job well done goes a long ways.

A simple thank you or call out at a meeting goes a long way.

The ultimate appreciation is the one that lands in the bank.

People are often recognized via additional responsibilities for the same compensation.

There's two distinct classes of appreciation here: structural, which is defined by the firm's compensation programs, and personal, which is what an associate gets from immediate supervisor and co-workers. On the personal side, coworkers often thank and compliment me, including emails to my boss. However, my boss provides minimal appreciation, and does not advocate on my behalf for advancement or raises.

I've administered our pension & welfare plans for nearly 30 years. I wear glasses and have a mustache. At a company gathering, I was "recognized" by hundreds of folks with a cheer and simultaneous donning of novelty glasses w/mustache.

Institutional corporate appreciation is better than nothing but it's best when your direct manager(s) take a minute of personal time to really say "Thank you" and why the appreciate you or what you did.

Show me the money!

I feel appreciated most of the time. The time I don't is when it is time to negotiate for a raise, then I hear every single thing I did wrong during the year.

It is wonderful to work with a great boss!