As a leader, it’s easy to be focused on what needs to be done and forget about the people who are actually making things happen. Too often, we assume our staff knows how much we appreciate them. Making this assumption is a big mistake. Consider the importance of physical proximity as a
Don’t take for granted that your employees automatically know. Instead, be intentional with your communication with your team members to show your gratitude in the way that resonates with them as an individual.
Not everyone feels appreciated in the same way. In The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, Gary Chapman and Paul White have found that each one of us has a way in which we feel the most appreciated.
This is the last of the blog series where I touch on one of the lesser-known ways in which people feel valued and appreciated. Through having physical proximity to another person(s) will really motivate and energize some individuals for higher productivity.
In this time of post-pandemic “coming back to the office,” there will be those who thrive on the physical proximity to you and their teammates.
Physical Proximity
As you can imagine, the global shutdown has affected people who thrive on physical proximity.
For those team members, the longer they go without being in physical proximity with someone else, the less appreciated they feel and the less energy they have to do their job.
They miss and feed off the high fives, fist bumps, handshakes, and elbow bumps. Simply by being close to coworkers, their creativity flows, and their productivity increases.
Your Turn: Try This in Your Office
Bringing back your team to an office setting is going to fire this type of person right up. As you are announcing to your team any new work environment change, pay special attention to their reaction.
Do they light up at the notion of coming into the office?
Take note of who responds with more energy. This clue is the key to infusing energy into that person time and time again.
. . .
There are four other appreciation fuel sources. This is the last of the series. In the previous blog posts, words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, and gift-giving were discussed.
The disruption of the pandemic took its toll on our workforce. Even though the world is now opening up, things will never be exactly the same as they were before the pandemic.
You may be seeing firsthand the effects of job hopping in your organization. Coming back to the office, even in a hybrid scenario, is a big transition for your team.
Employees have reevaluated their personal and professional priorities. Since dealing with the workplace disruption caused by the pandemic, they discovered what means more to them is more than money. They want to feel valued, appreciated and have a sense of purpose and belonging.
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
