What Makes an Employee Feel Appreciated? A Speak-Out

What makes an employee feel appreciated?  We may assume we know the answer to that question; we may even assume we’re doing it for our employees already, but are we?  I asked a few hard workers an important question: ” What was one thing an employer did for you that made you feel truly appreciated?”  Some of those questioned had immediate responses.  But most had to think awhile; one even gave up.  Following are their eye-opening answers.

What was one thing an employer did for you that made you feel truly appreciated?

Bob:  Unfortunately I can’t think of anything great a company did to recognize me specifically, but at an employee group level, the company organized a few picnics that turned out to be fun events.  I would have appreciated a simple verbal acknowledgment from my manager for a job well done.

Cecil:  I always liked getting free things. (I once got a laser pen and pencil set.) The day we would grill out and have hot dogs and hamburgers. Gift certificates were nice. Unexpected things were always the best. Like coming into the office and saying the first sale of the day got $50. Salesman of the month with a gift certificate to a restaurant.

Sharon:  During a performance review at a job I had in my early 20’s, a boss told me he wished all his employees worked as hard as I did.  He was very sincere and I’ve carried that compliment with me all these 20 years later!

Sarah:  OK, I can honestly say I don’t know the last time an employer did anything to let me know I was appreciated. Oh wait, I think on Secretary’s Day the other agents buy us a big lunch. But wait, that’s the agents. That doesn’t come from the employer. Scrap that. My supervisor brought us snacks for Christmas. For the whole staff she brought us one thing of celery sticks cut up, a small bag of carrots, and some dip. And two rolls of Ritz crackers for our ENTIRE staff. I think a dozen cookies too!  Is this helping?

(Thanks, Sarah.  Actually it does help!  We appreciate your candor.)

Maria:  In 1997, I received a gold necklace from a boss and his wife when I left the company.  I am wearing it right now.  Also, the continuous “Thank you’s” are so important.

Five people, five different companies five totally different responses.  Or is it?  One could read these answers and walk away with an overall impression:  It really is in the sincerity of the recognition.  One thing is for certain:  Everyone wants to feel appreciated and recognized for the time and effort they put into a company.  If you’re wondering whether or not your company is doing its best to make the employees feel valued, you might try a similar survey, asking employees to give their responses anonymously.  Perhaps you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results.  Or maybe it’ll be some pretty difficult reading material. Either way, it’s important enough to take the time to find out.  In the end, you’ll have happier, more productive employees that are willing to go the extra mile.  

Perhaps you’re the employee with a story to share.  Please feel free to comment on this post and tell us what an employee has done to make you feel valued!

Check back next week when our next Speak-Out asks people to share their stories when employees tried to make them feel appreciated – but didn’t.  More eye-opening stuff to come, so subscribe to our blog so you don’t miss out!