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Original poster

Small things that make you feel appreciated at work?

68 replies

CuntyBumpkin · 11/12/2018 21:00

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?

OP posts:
Bloodybridget · 12/12/2018 17:43

As someone said above, don't micromanage - it's great when employees feel they are trusted to do their jobs without being checked on at every step. And if someone does fuck up, give them help to sort it out; don't make a huge drama out of it.

Nacreous · 12/12/2018 17:46

I had a job before where there were loads of cash type perks. They were lovely. But management were in general, very difficult. They would ask you to do things that made me professionally uncomfortable, and when you found problems that had to be fixed (regulatory type things) you would be badly performance reviewed because this would impact your other productivity, even though fixing the regulatory things was an essential, key part of the job which is legally mandatory. I didn't feel like management had my back at all, and I used to have to make sure I had everything in writing in case people tried to blame me for something I had or hadn't done at the request of someone more senior. It was hideous for me health, my morale and my sense of self.

But honestly, at my new job (zero cash perks, but the pay is good), I really feel like they care about me because they do things like see you look a bit rough in a meeting (if you have a cold or whatever) and ask if you're sure you're happy to stay in that meeting or if you want to head outside. They have my back if I'm having to deal with difficult people and are actively supportive. When we have discussions about things should be done they are collaborative, not combative.

recently · 12/12/2018 17:50

We are having works drinks this week (just a few snacks and drinks in the common room). It would make me feel more appreciated if 1) it was scheduled at a time when most people could attend and 2) it hadn't been stated that only people who gave a contribution to the cost were allowed a drink and a few peanuts!

ScreamingValenta · 12/12/2018 18:26

Another one - make sure any development/deputising opportunities are shared amongst those who want them - don't keep picking the same people to take on any extra or more challenging work.

At the same time, respect those who are happy in their current role and aren't looking to progress in the company - don't try to shoehorn them into an ambitious development plan for the sake of it.

witchmountain · 12/12/2018 19:20

Yes to saying thank you (when you mean it - no one is fooled by fake praise!), but also proper feedback. The book Radical Candour is a good read.

Also - not a small gesture and perhaps depends on the kind of work - but being clear about accountability and expectations and doing what you need to do to enable your team to meet them. This also helps with flexibility because if people are delivering what's expected then exactly where and when they do it may matter less.

Geraniumpink · 12/12/2018 19:25

Never having had a good manager, just having my existence acknowledged from time to time and saying good morning would be nice. And actually managing if there is a problem.

TheBaltictriangle · 12/12/2018 19:47

Treating everyone equally and no favouritism. Making sure everybody has a fair chance of personal development and promotions if applicable.

My old boss used to groom her disciples for promotion, she sat on the interview panels & gave them the jobs.

cakesonatrain · 12/12/2018 19:48

Bacon butties every now and then.
Defending your team, from slagging off from others and also by saying No to extra workload.

TheLittlestLightOnTheTree · 12/12/2018 19:53

what line of work is it op?

i'm a manager and i know the team appreciate well thought out rotas
i always ask for days off requests when i do rotas as we are retail

sweets go a long way,biscuits for tearoom etc

katseyes7 · 12/12/2018 20:49

When l was a manager l used to take my turn with the coffee making, and bake cakes at home and take them in. And l always got chocolates for the shift at Christmas.

ForalltheSaints · 13/12/2018 06:48

Being on time for meetings.

Petalflowers · 13/12/2018 06:51

In the last couple of weeks, i’ve had two newbies comment how helpful I have been to them.

So I think thanks for a job well done, or appreciation for continued hard work.

Sarcelle · 13/12/2018 07:00

Saying good morning, have a good evening. Basic, but missing from my working life.

Saying thank you (not all the time, but when's job is well done), encouraging, treating people as individuals with individual needs, not playing favourites, being open to feedback without resentment, being firm but fair.

ASauvignonADay · 13/12/2018 07:08

Simple thank you or messages of appreciation. Getting a really thoughtful card at Christmas. Just generally being told we're appreciated and being given space to talk (eg in 1:1s).

brizzledrizzle · 13/12/2018 08:17

Don't offer extra hours on an ad-hoc basis and tell your staff that you don't mind if they do the hours or not and that they have to think of their work-life balance and then later be critical of those who didn't do the extra hours when it's appraisal time.

Moll140 · 13/12/2018 09:34
  1. not being micro-managed
  2. having the flexibility of finishing few mins early/coming in few mins late when have an appointment
  3. feeling appreciated - a 'thank you' goes a very long away
  4. a small token every now and again (a previous boss used to fly overseas with his job, and every now and again he would bring back asmall token (something small e.g. bar of chocolate). He might have got it free in his hotel room - but it didn't matter - it always made me feel appreciated

Managers should remember that happy employees make productive employees.

YepImafraidIchangeditagain · 13/12/2018 09:38

I used to run a team of mostly late teens, early 20's women. I always found that giving them ownership of a project or area made a huge difference. Sometimes just a thank you or well done can boost someone's confidence massively.

Also, treats and a nice break room environment can make staff feel appreciated!

LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD · 13/12/2018 09:47

A thank you once in a while wouldn’t hurt! Or acknowledgement that you stayed an extra 5 hours (no pay or time off) to get a project finished!
Not complaining to a member of staff for being ten minutes late when you know that they always work late and at evenings/weekends because you have given them so much to do and they take their work seriously.
Not being mean and penny pinching
Actually giving a bonus - not saying that there may be one if company targets are hit...

I like a regular newsletter from the big boss that lets us know what’s going on.

We have a HR system that lets you do ‘hi 5s’ to other members of staff - universally seen as a bit silly 😜 but we use it sometimes to cheer someone on.

A nice atmosphere really helps. Choosing new staff who will get along and be helpful to other members of the team (especially if you have a small company).

PoliticalBiscuit · 13/12/2018 10:47

Constructive feedback, assistance on career/promotion progression. Early finish on seasonal ocassions (eg office party.) Ocassional coffee shop runs for staff.

Acknowledgement.

MollysLips · 13/12/2018 13:33

I just left a job because of small, petty reasons, so don't do these:

  • If you send an email, don't then also ring, text and email again within the same hour to demand a reply;
  • Don't expect people to buy their own milk, tea and coffee;
  • Don't set up systems that are SO bafflingly complicated, everyone feels thick;
  • Don't promise everyone a Christmas party, then realise how expensive it'll be, so quiet;y stop mentioning it again and hope everyone forgets;
  • Don't expect people to still do work for you a month purely for goodwill, after they've left...
AlwaysaLittleBitTired · 13/12/2018 13:55

My boss doesn't even pop her head in to my room to say hello when she passes - so that for me would make all the difference to feeling valued. Just be sociable and accessible. (We sit on different floors of the same building, so don't frequently pass each other).

ifonly4 · 13/12/2018 14:45

Simple things like thank you, acknowleding someone has done something well/quickly and showing an interest in them as a person sometimes, ie what are you doing at the weekend, I like your dress etc.

My manager is a bit of a jobsworth and I've always felt nervous around him, until he apologised for constantly watching my time keeping (I'm under two managers so juggle my workload but get it done) and then he told me he liked and respected me as a person - this has gone a long way to making me feeling happier and more comfortable around him.

goforkyourself · 13/12/2018 14:58

My boss told me to take the day off when my cat died last month Blush

TimeIhadaNameChange · 13/12/2018 15:52

What not to do:
Allow for some give and take in the company, whereby you do the taking and everyone else does the giving:

  • So you take ten times as many holidays as allowed, not record them and try and make junior staff cover for you and do the work you're not doing.
  • Allow staff to make up shortfalls, eg in equipment needed, but when they want something reasonable in return, refuse simply because you can.

Treat your staff with respect and you'll get the same back.

Ragwort · 13/12/2018 16:10

Making sure the team is fully aware of the ‘bigger picture’ of the organisation. We work in a small ‘outpost’ (can’t think of a better word Grin) but it is important to know where we fit in and how we all contribute to the wider goals of the organisation.

I don’t see my boss on a day to day basis, or even monthly, so it is great to be fully empowered to just get on with my job, I would hate to be micro managed. Positive feedback is always good.

Personally I am not bothered about tea runs etc because I am extremely fussy about how I drink my coffee and no one, not even my DH of 30 years gets it right !