Often times, recognition and appreciation are used interchangeably. While both are imperative for a positive employee experience, there is a distinct difference between the two.

Recognition is about what people do.

Appreciation is about who people are.

This distinction matters because recognition and appreciation are given for different reasons. Even when people succeed, inevitably there will be challenges along the way; or the result may be different than the one that was originally intended. If the focus is solely on praising positive outcomes, on recognition, you miss out on lots of opportunities to connect with and support your team members — to appreciate them.

(Source: Mike Robbins, Harvard Business Review)

1. There is a direct relationship between an appreciated employee and a happy employee. Happy employees are 12% more productive at work than those who are not.
2. Appreciation helps you build new relationships. Studies show that demonstrating appreciation to a new acquaintance is a helpful step in building a meaningful relationship.
3. It changes our mindset on the people around us. We naturally think and reflect inwardly. Appreciation allows us to have a positive mindset about those we work with.
4. Appreciating others keeps you engaged, especially during times of Zoom fatigue. A study has shown that employees who appreciate those they work with score 26% higher in engagement scores.
5. Appreciation inspires greatness in others. A study by the O.C. Tanner Institute revealed that 88% of employees who are appreciated are motivated to do great work.

1. Create a Wall of Appreciation, using tools such as Padlet, to let employees appreciate others. Not all appreciation needs to come from the manager. Peer-to-peer appreciation is just as important!
2. Build in appreciation an “shout outs” in team meetings
3. Focus on the person, and the accomplishments.
4. Set aside time to send words of appreciation to your colleagues at the same time every week. For example- thankful Fridays!
5. Create a team “trophy,” and have an employee present it to a team member every week, appreciating different facets of each team member.
6. Be open to feedback and new ideas from all team members; it shows you appreciate their perspective.
7. Leverage Pinterest boards for unique ideas on how to appreciate others.
8. Be sure to say thank you often, and in a timely manner.
9. Create a teams channel dedicated to recognition and appreciation

10 Reasons You Need to Show Appreciation Daily, David Sturt & Todd Nordstrom (Forbes)

7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude That Will Motivate You to Give Thanks Year Round, Amy Morin (Forbes)

How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain, Joshua Brown & Joel Wong (Greater Good Magazine)

Why Employees Need Both Recognition and Appreciation, Mike Robbins (Harvard Business Review)