Small things that make you feel appreciated at work?

[CuntyBumpkin]

I am looking at how I can influence a more positive culture in my workplace.

I manage a team but have no powers to change anything substantial and financial (like annual leave or bonuses)

What small gestures do you appreciate from your managers?

Very often just a simple thank you or having a coffee made! I work mostly alone and my boss pops in and out but when I do things that either go outside of my scope of work or just to get ahead of the game its nice for a thank you.

I'm easy pleased!

A simple and timely thank you (after they stay late / do a piece of particularly good work / cover for someone). Encourage it within your team, particularly from seniors to juniors.

What’s the attitude to flexitime and working from home?

For me, a simple check in with me on how I am doing, or how the project went means so much to me. More than a bonus would (not that we get bonuses in my line of work).

Being a leader, not a dictator goes a long way.

Giving staff control over some areas boosts morale too.

A sincere thankyou and noticing she someone is doing a good job.

I make sure I thank people when people work hard. I give a lot of my time to listen and always pull my weight with the workload as I've had managers who don't help out at all.

I like the idea of giving control over areas.

Flexibility to work from home now and then.

Flexi time.working arrangements.

Not micromanaged but I can also call on managers or colleagues for support if I need it.

Extra day's leave in Dec for Xmas shopping.

Xmas lunch paid for and during work hours.

Forwarding positive praise or feedback to the 'big boss' for recognition.

Listening to complaints or suggestions of change.
A thank you for a specific thing well done.

As a part timer (and freelance) I appreciate being told what's going on, being invited to meetings and fun stuff, and being paid on time!

Acknowledging a job well done and thanking staff for their contribution. Ensure higher management are aware and that they acknowledge your team.

Be open to new ways of working - encouraging your team to think of new ideas and let them lead on the implementation.

Occasional treats like buying a few cakes or chocolates to share.

Flexible working - letting staff know it’s fine to occasionally come in an hour later/leave earlier, providing they are sensible.

Get your hand dirty - be prepared to muck in, if needed eg cleaning rota, filing, answering the phones.

I'm a PA and having the chief exec insist that they and the other staff clear up the coffees after all meetings is one of the nicest things a boss has ever done for me

Being flexible regarding hours, not micro managing, lots of annual leave and cake.

Oh and another vote for xmas lunch paid for and in office hours

If somebody does something you haven't seen before, a new little hack (hate that word but it fits here lol), admit it's new to you and ask them to show you how. It's nice seeing leaders keen to learn from anyone and everyone.

Promote a give-and-take attitude - up against a deadline, all hands on deck and people stay late if they're able. In turn, if someone needs to leave a little early for an appointment, let them take what they need. It's rare people will take the piss when they know they work in a fair environment.

A bit of flexibility for things like school assemblies and working from home with a sick child go a really long way IME.

I also agree that a boss who makes coffee/washes up is an excellent leader.

Having their back.in public even when you have to be tough privately

Doing tea runs
Emailing a well done email
Pizza that's paid for n delivered to office every few months
Box of Chocolates
Wine

Don't be a hypocrite. Practise what you preach. Actually that's not a small thing.

Genuine thanks and getting to know your team’s personalities and what makes them tick. Some people are more sensitive than others

No micro managing, please's and thank you's, trusting staff to manage things such as own workloads, welcoming and willing to try new ways of working and ideas.

None of this “do as I say, don’t do as I do” bullshit. looking at you, boss!

Being consistently honest and open.

I'm off work with stress at the moment, and my boss spoke to me on the phone and suggested I spend time doing things that I enjoy. He remembered that I had told him (ages ago) that I liked to cook. The fact that he even remembered that tiny detail about what makes me tick really touched me.

Make everyone a drink if it's a busy day.
Say thank you for hard work.
Cakes and other food based gifts are always well received.

Words of appreciation. “Katie, you’ve done an awesome job, thank you so much for everything” or “Jenny, I’m so bloody appreciative of your hard work, skills and knowledge, I’m lucky to have you on my team”

Even better if you mean it.

Also, trusting your staff, believe them when they say “I missed the train” or “the bus broke down” until they give you reason to not believe.
Biscuits/sweets/fruit etc is always nice.
Sending them home early when you can (Christmas eve etc)

biscuits.chocolate on staff room table every now and again

Most of what is mentioned above. In addition, being responsive to your team - answering queries and emails promptly; dealing with HR type requests or holiday requests promptly; not giving your team the impression they're at the very bottom of your long list of priorities.