Showing Appreciation to Your Employees

Cathie Leimbach • October 25, 2022

Many people who believe appreciation is important confess that they don’t know how to show appreciation in a way that is meaningful to their employees. Let’s look at some key factors for being authentically helping your team members feel valued.

Training for managers is a critical first step. Only when leaders buy-into the why of appreciation and have the necessary skills will they be confident and competent in this area.

There are 5 main types or languages of appreciation that help people to feel valued. Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Paul White have written a book and provide great resources on “The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace”. These are:

Words of Affirmation – Thank someone in-person one-on-one or in a group. Give them a thank you note on a card or Post-it. Send them a text or an email. Be sure to think quieter people one-on-one or in a very small group. More outgoing and confident people often enjoy being acknowledged publicly at a special event.

Quality Time – When an employee stops at your office with a question, turn away from your computer and put your pen down. Make eye contact so they know you are focusing on them. Spend coffee break or lunch with an employee or two.

Acts of Service – When a colleague has a big deadline and you have a light day, ask how you could help them for an hour. When an employee is taking cases of supplies to a community awareness event, take a few minutes to help them load their vehicle or hold the door when their arms are full.

Gifts – Only 7% of the workforce highly values gifts at work. Many of them feel valued with small gifts such as a gift card for their favorite coffee shop or a pad of nifty shaped Post-its.

Physical Touch – Yes, physical touch helps people feel valued, but, it isn’t a preferred language of appreciation at work. However, workplace belonging a rapport are enhanced by handshakes, fist bumps, and high fives.

Senior leaders modeling effective appreciation behaviors is also important. When managers and supervisors are the recipients of authentic appreciation, they are much more likely to support their employees in similar ways. When managers and supervisors who appreciation, the employees are more likely to have stronger job satisfaction and productivity and are less likely to resign.

Human beings are emotional beings. When we feel valued, we are happier and add more value. What is one thing you will do this week towards appreciating your colleagues more? 

Looking Ahead to a Fruitful 2026

By Cathie Leimbach • December 30, 2025
As the New Year approaches, it’s a natural time to look forward and ask what you want the next chapter to bring. One simple way to reflect to ask yourself three questions to create a stronger year ahead, what should you: Stop?, Continue?, and Start? Stop focusing energy on habits, meetings, or expectations that no longer serve you or your team. This might mean letting go of outdated processes, unnecessary urgency, or ways of working that drain momentum without adding value. Continue the practices that helped you gain traction this year. Think about what worked—perhaps clear communication, strong collaboration, consistent follow-through, or time spent developing people. These are the behaviors worth protecting and reinforcing. Start being intentional about what will move you forward in 2026. This could include setting clearer priorities, investing in leadership development, building healthier team rhythms, or creating space for innovation and growth. Taking time to reflect now helps you enter the New Year with purpose rather than pressure. Small, thoughtful shifts can create meaningful impact over time. Ready to turn reflection into action?  👉 View our Stop • Continue • Start Worksheet for a simple, practical way to reset priorities, build on what’s working, and step into 2026 with clarity and momentum.

Take a Moment for Joy

By Cathie Leimbach • December 23, 2025
As the year comes to a close, it’s worth pausing to ask a simple question: What brought you joy this year at work and in life? Joy doesn’t always arrive in big, headline moments. Often, it shows up quietly—in meaningful conversations, shared laughter, progress made, lessons learned, or the steady presence of people who support us. Sometimes joy is found in growth, sometimes in rest, and sometimes in simply getting through a challenging season with resilience and grace. Take a few minutes to reflect. What moments made you smile? When did you feel most connected? For what are you grateful? This reflection isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of the year. It’s about honoring the bright spots that sustained you through them. Recognizing joy helps us close the year with perspective and open the next one with hope. As the holidays approach, give yourself permission to slow down, savor meaningful moments, and share joy with others—through kindness, gratitude, and presence.  May this season be filled with moments that lift your spirit, and may you carry that joy with you into the year ahead. 👉 Take a moment to pause this season—view the Reflecting on Joy one-pager and reflect on what brought meaning to your work and life this year. Wishing you a truly joy-filled Christmas season .