Building a Culture of Appreciation in the Workplace: Why it matters and how to get started
In today’s fast-paced and often remote work environments, employees can sometimes feel disconnected and undervalued. Creating a culture of appreciation not only helps employees feel recognised and listened to, but also strengthens morale, boosts productivity and positively impacts business outcomes. Businesses who foster this culture stand out from the crowd when it comes to recruitment, with the ever-growing emphasis on employee wellbeing in the workplace.
We are not just talking about reaching major accomplishments here, we are thinking about a culture of appreciation when even the smallest of achievements or milestones are celebrated, or even to show that you value your employees, highlighting the fact they are recognised for the hard work that they do.
At a very young age we seek recognition from our parents and teachers, and once we are in the workplace, we need it from our leaders and peers to know how we are performing and fitting in. Employee appreciation has moved from being for the ‘top performers’ within modern organisations, and it is now for anyone at any level who has made any contribution no matter how large or small. It is now about celebrating the major achievements, but not forgetting small wins.
It is evident that the work environment also plays a huge part in the mental health and wellbeing of an employee. Research by MIND, 2024 suggests that ‘At least one in six workers experience common mental health problems, including anxiety and depression’… ‘which shows that work is the biggest cause of stress in people's lives, more so than debt or financial problems.’ Employees want to feel like their hard work has made a valued contribution to the companies that they work for. One way to empower this is to show recognition for appreciation. In the UK, a 2019 Workhuman® survey of full-time employees found:
- Only 49% of U.K. workers are at companies where everyone is empowered to recognize good work.
- One in five admitted they have never received recognition for their work.
- One-third of respondents said they wished their manager showed more appreciation for their efforts.
Despite there being so many opportunities available for employee appreciation, including taking part in appreciation days, recognising small contributions or team efforts, there still appears to be a lack of awareness about the positive impact this can have on not just the employee, but the company as whole.
Employee appreciation and recognition can be a key strategy for promoting engagement, increasing self-worth and productivity in the workplace. We want to help companies create a culture where thanks and appreciation are encouraged, built on the values of compassion, support and inclusivity. It is also about making it fun and motivational so that employees thrive off the positive energy which produces more productive work. It is about adding a ‘human element’ to the day-to-day role of an employee – a simple gesture to mark a birthday or event.
Braewell are not just a treat box company – we are a business that has been built around personal experiences of not feeling valued for the work that has been done, and the impact that has had on mental health and wellbeing. Every box that we create is more than just a product; it is an experience, one that can brighten someone’s day. Every box offers something unique and different. Whether it is a simple ‘thinking of you’ desktop box, or a meeting box designed to be inclusive to everybody, utilising sensory elements and tools to ensure the whole team feel supported. Let’s support each other and grow with kindness.
