With job-hopping on the rise, organizations are challenged with keeping their valued staff members. The cost of employee turnover is much higher than making the effort to retain your valued employees through learning their language of appreciation. Showing acts of service is a way to show your team members their value.
Now, more than ever, the workforce is wanting to be valued and appreciated by their employers. That’s why it’s more important than ever for organizational leaders to become in tune with how their team receives gratitude to create a culture of happy and productive individuals.
No matter what appreciation language people respond to, there are certain acts of kindness that relate positively to everyone. Words are not always necessary. For instance, a smile, a wave, a handshake. can cut through barriers and let your people know how you feel.
The second of five appreciation languages is:
Acts of Service
An act of service speaks to certain team members much louder than a few kind words. They will light up and become energized when an act of service is done. Examples of acts of service are:
- stay late to help complete a project,
- offer to help clean up,
- offer to take tasks off their plate so that they can focus on the high priority project
Instead of telling how much you appreciate them, small acts of service are great ways to show your appreciation. There is one caveat. When you’re showing appreciation, make sure that you are doing it their way and you finish what you start.
Your Turn: Try This in Your Office
Look for an opportunity to serve your team. Make a pot of coffee. Help organize a file. Think of an act of service that you can do to help out. Take note of your people who respond with energy. Which individuals seem to be fuel for productivity by your act of service. This will give you a key to infusing energy back into that person time and time again.
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There are four other appreciation fuel sources. In the previous blog, words of affirmation was discussed. In the next blog in the series, I’ll share the third language of appreciation.
Understanding the 5 languages of workplace appreciation will increase team performance and help with employee retention. If you’re experiencing the effects of job-hopping or you would like to take some preventative action, schedule a complimentary consultation.
Additional Resource:
The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace | Chapman & White
