Appreciation at Work Isn’t a Gesture, It’s a Standard

A simple “thank you” is polite. Real appreciation is leadership in action.

We say people are our greatest asset, but too often recognition comes in the form of generic emails, gift cards, or a quick shoutout at a staff meeting. Nice? Sure. Memorable? No.

People remember when you saw them before you needed them.

They remember when you noticed their effort, not just the outcome.

They remember when you spoke their name in rooms they weren’t invited into yet.

Appreciation is not a holiday initiative. It’s a daily practice. It’s quiet, specific, and consistent. And employees can tell when it’s real.

I’ve been the person carrying the weight of three jobs and still felt invisible. I’ve also been the leader who handed someone a handwritten note, and watched it make more impact than a bonus or plaque ever could.

The difference is intent. People know the difference between being managed and being valued.

What Real Appreciation Looks Like

• Recognizing effort in real time, not six months later in a performance review

• Asking people how they want to be acknowledged instead of assuming

• Following tough feedback with support, not silence

• Making space for quiet voices, not just confident ones

• Saying, “I see the work you’re putting in,” even when the outcome isn’t perfect

The best leaders don’t just celebrate wins. They honor the resilience it took to get there.

This Week’s Reflection

• Who has been quietly holding things together while no one is watching?

• How will you make them feel seen—not just thanked—this week?

Want a Culture Where People Feel Valued, Not Just Employed?

This is the work I help teams and leaders do every day. If you're ready to build a workplace where appreciation is a system, not a slogan, let’s talk.

Click here to book a discovery call or bring me in to work with your team.