by Nancy Hreha

Created on: May 20, 2009

An attitude of gratitude... an aspiration in difficult times, a treasure that can't be measured, the essential ingredient in showing appreciation at work. Even the most positive person is at times challenged to feel gratitude when under the daily pressures caused by these tough economic times. As the pressures increase so does stress, infighting, and negativity. Be careful...it spreads like wildfire!

The first step to a How to show appreciation at work is to feel appreciation, and that may take a little viewpoint adjustment.

Your co workers, employees and your boss all have one thing in common, they're human! Almost everyone is working harder, longer and facing more challenges than any workforce in history. The sad part all that extra hard effort is turning little reward. In an unstable environment, the demands, fatigue and frustration make it essential to deliberately take proactive steps to affirm, congratulate and acknowledge the people who are part of the lion's share of your day!

The easiest thing in the world is offering a smile, a good word and an acknowledgement. Be observant and catch onto the little things.

Is your office space kept clean in? Leave the cleaning staff a little note of thanks.

Is your secretary doing double the tasks due to recent consolidations? Maybe you can get her/him some coffee tomorrow morning.

Is your assistant putting in even longer hours than usual? An afternoon off goes a long way.

Are their efforts reaping you rewards? Find a way to SHARE the reward.

The best gifts are genuine. Even if budget cuts have taken cut into expense accounts, we can all afford to share a kind word, extend common courtesy and stretch ourselves to show appreciation in our words and actions, not just in the things we buy. A daily act of kindness is long remembered.

Make (NOTICE I SAID MAKE NOT TAKE) a few minutes to ask someone their ideas or listen to their concerns. Making an effort to ask about their family, hobbies, weekend plans...bring back humanity to the workforce...build connections to the people who perform the job.

Build a team...now before you run out an buy someone's book, force your employees to sit through some day long seminar (which only takes them away from an already over packed schedule) or plan a team building outing, think about this...teams are built on respect, loyality and achievement that comes from inside...that can't be bought, taught or compelled...but it can be inspired. Show your appreciation for at work with a willingness to be a team member...

If you're a leader, lead by action. Roll up your sleeves and dig in. Get to know what your staff has been doing for you without a word...I can promise you, they've been putting out fires, circumventing disaster and paving the way for you to move forward in ways you never knew...and frankly, maybe you don't need to know specifically...just know they do...and tell them so.

Listen up...pay attention to you're employees concerns, their look, their energy level...you read your clients...your staff deserves the same attention.

While everyone has some quality, contribution or attribute that deserves to be appreciated, be careful to not only acknowledge the group, but the individual. Your workplace is made up of individuals who pull together as a group...don't miss the opportunity to acknowledge both,

Thanks you for your gift of time and interest in this article.

Here's to a kinder, gentler workplace and a return to social conscience that was a hallmark of American business.

Learn more about this author, Nancy Hreha.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.