How
can employees show appreciation to their employers?
Elaine Beyer/Human Resource Staffing
Although many of us are grateful to have a job these days,
it is rare for us to consider showing appreciation to our
employers.
Showing appreciation requires awareness and commitment, to
ourselves and to those we are connected to. Not many of us
want to go around so unappreciative that we fail to notice
what’s good, yet circumstances, surroundings, or negative
feelings can sometimes restrict more generous impulses.
Human Resource professionals are often aware of inequities
and/or charged with implementing unfair policy and procedures:
for example, when rank and file employees are released and
at the same time executives are given huge bonuses, it’s
tough to feel appreciated. We also may carry our own resentments
for real or imagined injuries. These organizational and personal
issues make it more difficult to honestly demonstrate appreciation
upward. When anger for its own sake takes over, little positive
action can occur.
Decreasing internal anger occurs gradually as we suspend disbelief,
gossip, and negativity about the organization and its managers.
Because most of us are not burdened with the levels of responsibility
of our employers, at the very least, we can try to criticize
more carefully, including positive suggestions for change.
Finding a means to appreciate instead of showing resentment
may involve casting a wider net, such as looking at all organizational
stakeholders. If you connect to a mission of service, you
may be thankful for your organization’s existence on
behalf of your clients or customers. An organization making
products or equipment that improves lives can also be a source
of pride – and gratitude.
Human Resources professionals are uniquely positioned to influence
management as well as employees. Start with the little things.
Make it a point to say, “thanks”, to a manager
who lets you leave early to beat a winter storm. Invite your
manager to lunch or other staff events.
Appreciation is a form of influence and can be demonstrated
in small kindnesses, applied in all directions.
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Reproduction
of this article cannot be accomplished without the expressed
consent of Human Resource Staffing. Don Schmitz is a popular
speaker and writer on all aspects of HR and CEO of Human Resource
Staffing. Don holds graduate degrees in Education, Administration
and Human Development. Contact Don@HumanResourceStaffingInc.com
952 854 6040
