Showing appreciation at work can be "work" especially if you are the sensitive type who wants to make everyone happy. When I am at work, I am there to work, but that doesn't mean that employees or supervisors like myself can't show appreciation. Whether you are a manager, supervisor, or coworker, there are several ways to show your appreciation to those you work with on a daily basis.

First, work to be courteous to all the people you work with. Going a little out of your way to hold the door on the elevator, or the door to a building (particularly if your coworker has an arm full of files or books), a cheerful good morning, or a "how was your weekend" lets your coworkers know you care. This sets up a pleasant work atmosphere, and it doesn't distract from tasks at hand.

When someone goes out of their way to help you and make you job a little easier, don't hesitate to thank them. Maybe it was just that it was a long line at the copy machine and they saw you only had a couple of copies and let you ahead of them in line remember to say "thank you." When you acknowledge little things your coworkers are more willing to help you out more often. They also will expect you to return the favor. This produces a workplace where cooperation becomes a way of life.

Often in the workplace employees work on projects in teams. Individual members should never take credit for the team's effort themselves. I have seen managers take credit for ideas and accomplishments that came from someone else on the team. Give credit to the person responsible to this great idea. This can be in the form of a simple thank you, a note, or an email, but it is more effective when it is more public and expressed to the boss. Few feel unappreciated when you take the extra effort and share their contributions to "the" boss.

Be sincere. No matter how many times you say "thank you" if you don't mean it, your coworkers will know you for the fake that you are and label you a "climber." Your kind gestures and thank you's will be worthless.

Be specific. "You did a great job on that project!" is fine, but when you get specific it means more. "You did a great job on that project, especially on the organization of the committees and the hierarchy." says you understand their unique contribution. They realize the extra hours spent to do a good job were not overlooked.

We all want a pleasant work atmosphere. It makes getting up early and getting to work a little easier if you like what you are doing and the people you work with. Showing appreciation to bosses and coworkers is another way of working to get along with everyone. Managers should know that it also increases productivity.

In addition to increased productivity you will see a more loyal staff. Because you were willing to "go the extra mile" for them, they will be more willing to do it for you. I have worked in places where little appreciation was shown. These are workplaces I look back on with sadness and regret. However, I have also worked with appreciative people, and no matter what the obstacles we survived because of the sense that we are in this mess "together."

If you want to show appreciation at work be considerate, say "thank you," recognize contributions, be sincere, and be specific. A little bonus never hurts either.

Learn more about this author, Brenda Obert.
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