We recently completed a branding refresh including an overall website redesign. In creating the launch campaign, I wanted to make sure I expressed my gratitude to those who were behind the refresh, not just behind closed doors, but also publicly. In doing so, it got me thinking about recognition and rewards in the work environment, and what it means to recognize someone.

As an HR professional, I can remember talking to different managers and leaders about taking the time to recognize the work of their employees, especially when someone was going above and beyond. Honestly, it’s easy to cheerlead someone who over-delivers, but I am a believer in thanking people for doing the work that is part of their job function. Yep, I’ve had many discussions with managers who wonder about the point of saying thank you for doing something the person is “supposed” to do. Well, for me, I say why NOT say thank you?

• Would you want to keep cooking dinner for your family, and no one ever says thank you?
• Would you want to return a package delivered to you instead of your neighbor and not hear a thank you?

Those are things we are “supposed” to do, right? So why would your employees want to be excited to keep showing up and producing high-quality output without ever hearing thank you?

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”

— Mother Teresa

What’s the harm in saying thank you? What do you have to lose? Nothing really. But more importantly, WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO GAIN?

• The opportunity for someone to stop thinking of this as “just a job” and start to love their work.
• The opportunity for someone to realize you are paying attention and feel valued because of it.
• The chance that someone stops looking for a new job because they feel appreciated, finally.

Here are some thank you examples to get you started:

• Thank you for always getting your reports submitted on time, without me asking.
• Thank you for asking how you can help me today. I appreciate you being willing to go the extra mile.
• Thank you for making sure everyone understands the next steps before ending our staff calls.

Who will you thank today? Tomorrow? This week?

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

– Maya Angelou

P.S. – And if you want to go the extra mile in the act of thanking another, put it in writing. I am still a sucker for handwritten notes (yep, I am showing my age), however, emails or texts work just as well in our digital world.