Communicating Gratitude + Appreciation in the Workplace
Don’t underestimate the power of a genuine THANK YOU and a genuine JOB WELL DONE.
Can I get on my soapbox for one minute?
And before you tell me “but Jenna, this doesn’t reallllllllllly matter we are all here to get a job done, get paid, and go home” I’ll stop you right there. Because communicating gratitude matters.
Taking a moment out of your day to express gratitude makes a difference. Employee appreciation matters. Recognition matters. You’d be surprised how far a little appreciation, recognition, and positive reinforcement goes when everyone is so busy and wrapped up in their to do lists.
From 2018 - 2021 I worked for an organization that did a phenomenal job celebrating, recognizing, and appreciating its workforce. The people came first and the work came second. Truly. They didn’t just say that on their website, the culture put the people first and the (successful) work followed. While I was working full time for this organization, I decided to go back to school to get my masters degree in communication. I was silently going to class every Saturday 9 - 5 and studying after work on the weekdays 6 - 10, and my manager/the organization never once questioned my dedication to the job. Further, my coworkers were there cheering me on. When I graduated in 2019, my entire team booked a conference room and threw a little “graduation party” for me inclusive of graduation hat cupcakes, a celebratory banner AND a spa gift certificate they all pitched in for. It was so thoughtful, I felt so appreciated and from now on, I’ll always understand the importance of making people feel celebrated for big and small accomplishments.
If you're not taking the time to communicate gratitude to the people you work with and work for, you're missing out on a huge opportunity to improve the culture, the comaraderie, and the communication in your workplace. Effective communication can present itself in many forms and appreciation is one of the most simple, yet effective ways to cultivate a positive workplace culture.
And yet – I am consistently surprised at how many organizations miss the mark on communicating appreciation for others in a professional setting. Pro tip - you do not need to be in a leadership position to create a positive and healthy workplace environment. Be the change you want to see in your job!
*Politely walks off soapbox
And if you’re wondering HOW to action on this, you’ve come to the right place. Career Civility is here to help you communicate more effectively in the workplace and will always provide you with tactical and concrete tips and advice.
Let’s get started.
3 tips to communicate gratitude and appreciation in the workplace -
#1 - Create a list of “Thanks” on your desk/desktop. This is a list inclusive of all the people you want to thank. Add a name to it every time someone helps you, accepts a coffee chat/networking meeting with you, or even someone you see working really hard who deserves a note of appreciation.
# 2 - Create a process to send a note of thanks. The key here is to do something that works for YOU. Not a hand written note kind of gal? That’s ok! Stick to email because you know that’ll be the most efficient way to communicate gratitude. Think you can save 30 minutes every month to hand write some thank you notes? Keep a pack at your desk to use when the time comes. An example of my “Thanks Practice?” -
I have a pack of thank you/birthday/congrats cards that I keep on my desk (under my computer stand)
I keep a BIG roll of stamps in my thank you card box
After meeting with someone for coffee or a networking opportunity, I send them a note via email or LinkedIn to thank them for their time and ask if they would be willing to send me their physical mailing address (see template below for this)
Every other Friday, “write 3 thank you cards” is added to my to do list
I walk my dog to the mailbox on our lunchtime walk 😊
# 3 - Use a template. Start communicating gratitude using the templates below -
Here are the templates to help you communicate appreciation -
Hey coworker,
You’ve been incredibly helpful this week and I couldn’t let the week get away from me without saying thank you! Thank you for your help!
Hey boss,
I know work has been incredibly busy lately. Sending a note of appreciation for all your hard work. Thank you for all that you do!
Hey employee,
The excellent work you are doing does not go unnoticed. I really appreciate your time, attention, and dedication you’ve been giving to the team lately. Thank you for all that you do!
Hey client,
It’s been great working with you lately. Thank you for being so helpful and making this working relationship a success!
Hey anyone,
Before we get sucked into the busyness of the week, I wanted to send a quick note of appreciation for all that you do. It matters and it makes a difference. Thank you!
And if you’re sending a thank you note but unsure how to ask for their physical mailing address,
“Thanks so much for your time today, xx! Would you mind sending your mailing address? I have a little note I’d love to drop in the mail to thank you properly for your time”
And ICYMI, there are a lot of opportunities to celebrate and recognize your coworkers.
Life events
Birthdays. Weddings. Buying a house. Buying a car. Graduations. Kids birthdays. Adoption. Becoming a parent. Retirement.
Accomplishments
Promotions. Big presentations. Side hustles. Hobbies outside of work. New clients/contracts. Hitting any kind of goal. Winning awards. Paying off debt.
You can also get creative outside hand written thank you cards and emails. You can send $5 gift cards, grab someone a coffee on your way into work, ask someone what they want for lunch, send flowers, or…simply send a nice text/email/phone call.
Do not underestimate the power of communicating gratitude.
Civil Communication is the key ingredient to creating and fostering positive, inclusive and belonging organizations. Use these communication templates to get started today!
