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? 

Wrapping Up Your Year – Celebrate Your Wins

By Cathie Leimbach • December 16, 2025
As you’re wrapping presents this season, it’s also a great time to wrap up your year with intention. The end of the year offers a natural pause—a chance to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the people who made a difference along the way. At work, we often move from one deadline to the next without stopping to say thank you. Take a moment to recognize your teammates. Maybe it’s the coworker who always had your back, or the leader who helped you stretch and grow. A sincere “thank you” or a short handwritten note can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just genuine. The same holds true in your personal life. When was the last time you told a friend or family member how much they mean to you? Between holiday plans and to-do lists, it’s easy to forget that our presence often matters more than any present. Every year brings both highs and lows. As this one comes to a close, choose to focus on what went right. Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge the people who supported you through the challenging moments. So, while you’re taping up gift boxes, take a little time to wrap up your year with gratitude. Send the text. Write the card. Let people know they’re valued. After all, the most meaningful gift you can give is helping someone feel truly appreciated. Want more simple, meaningful ways to express appreciation—without overspending?  👉 View Sharing Joy at Work Without Breaking the Bank for practical ideas you can use right away.

Connectional Intelligence: The Power Skill Behind Big Results

By Cathie Leimbach • December 9, 2025
In Erica Dhawan’s book, Get Big Things Done, she defines Connectional Intelligence as the ability to combine knowledge, networks, and relationships to drive meaningful results. In today’s busy workplace, it’s not just what you know—it’s how well you connect that turns good ideas into big outcomes. Strong Connectional Intelligence within a team strengthens workplace morale and productivity by impacting four key attributes of high-performance cultures: Value Visibly – People perform better when they know their contributions matter. Leaders who highlight strengths, acknowledge effort, and celebrate progress create a culture where great work becomes contagious. Communicate Carefully – In an age of nonstop messages, clarity is a competitive advantage. Thoughtful communication reduces confusion, prevents conflict, and ensures that everyone moves forward with shared understanding. Collaborate Confidently – Connectional Intelligence flourishes when people feel empowered to contribute. Confident collaboration means inviting diverse perspectives, leveraging individual superpowers, and creating space for smart problem-solving. Trust Totally – Trust is the anchor of all high-performing teams. When leaders show reliability, transparency, and empathy, people take risks, share ideas, and stay aligned toward common goals. Connectional Intelligence helps teams innovate faster, break down silos, and accomplish what truly matters. Want to learn more? Visit Erica Dhawan’s website to explore her full body of work and deepen your understanding of Connectional Intelligence.