One of the questions in the Gallup Q12 employee engagement survey asks:
“In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work.”
Seven days. Not once a quarter. Not at year-end. Not on a designated day. The last seven days.
Appreciation consistently shows up as a predictor of engagement, performance, and retention. Which means it isn’t fluff. It’s fuel. It isn’t a nice-to-do, it’s a need-to-do.
So here are a few ways to elevate appreciation into something that builds culture:
1. Celebrate the Person, Name the Action.
“Good job today, Brittany.” It’s kind. It’s also generic and forgettable.
What about this instead? “Brittany, you navigated a tense client call, clarified next steps, and protected the relationship through a very sticky situation. Thank you so much for the calm demeanor and positive outlook you brought to the meeting.”
Specific appreciation builds pride, reinforces standards, and multiplies the behavior across the team.
2. Support Colleague Kudos
Don’t let appreciation live only top-down. Host a simple “Colleague Kudos” built around this one question: “When did someone here make your job easier or better this month?”
No formal presentation, just stories. You’ll highlight important contributions and strengthen connection faster than that logo-branded coffee mug.
3. Turn Appreciation into Listening
Listening shows appreciation for individual perspectives and values.
Try asking for one Continue, Start, and Stop:
- What should we STOP doing that makes your work harder?
- What should we START doing to show we value you?
- What should we CONTINUE doing because it makes a difference?
If you act on what you hear, that’s appreciation in its most influential form.
4. Give the Gift of Ownership
What is another powerful sign of appreciation? Trust.
Invite employees to:
- Redesign a recurring team meeting
- Eliminate one low-value process
- Pilot an idea without multiple layers of approval
Nothing communicates trust and value more clearly than expanded autonomy and meaningful visibility.
5. Recognize Behind-the-Scenes Work
Every organization has steady operators and quiet problem-solvers who prevent fires before they start. Call them out. When you notice and appreciate the behind-the-scenes work, you showcase that every contribution supports the big picture.
6. Invest in Their Future
Instead of swag, consider investing in your employees’ growth and development:
- A learning stipend
- A coaching session
- A team development experience
People forget the T-shirt, but they remember the opportunity.
Appreciation isn’t a spotlight you switch on once a year. It’s the daily habit that shapes your culture. The question isn’t whether you’ll find the time. It’s whether you’ll make it a priority.
What are you doing at your organization to keep appreciation part of the everyday rhythm? We’d love to hear from you.