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?

A coworker making a cup of tea. Getting a little gift from my students too. A lovely comment from a child or teacher I meet. Personally those small things make me feel appreciated. It is the small things that make all the difference.
Big flashy presents are not required. Oh and a smile does wonders to lighten up my day. Can you tell I work at a school?

We always always pass on client feedback, it really raises morale and encourages them to earn more lovely words.

My boss sends us home early when it’s quiet rather than have us sat around doing nothing.

Oh and being paid a fair wage helps.

I've been in my current job less than a year and my boss bought me and easter treat and a token Xmas gift -never happened anywhere else and I thought it was a really sweet gesture.

Just a genuine, heartfelt and personal thank you or compliment goes a long way TBH. I work out of a different workplace once a fortnight or so, and am struck by how I'm far more likely to get a "thanks, that was really tricky and you managed it well" at the other workplace compared with my usual one, despite only being there a fraction of the time.

A good morning,have a nice weekend,thank you etc. I also vote for flexibility (and not just for parents) a bit of give and take goes a long way!

Remembering things people tell you makes them feel valued. E.g. 'did you enjoy the concert on Saturday?' rather than just 'how was your weekend?'

Ensuring you get credited for what you've done when presenting your work to their bosses. My manager is lovely and copies me in on loads of emails saying "thanks to NC who did xyz, here's the report on blah".

Not taking it as a personal betrayal or abandonment when someone moves on for a better opportunity.

It's an ethos, yes to good morning, remembering children's names etc. That's far more important than token gestures.

The best place I ever worked in was genuinely a team- the boss would be in making tea & coffee and tidying up (she also knew when to keep clear of the staffroom and allow the chatter). A clean and pleasant staffroom encourages shared lunchtimes.

Say thank you, well done, etc. and say it to everyone. If Bob, Colin, Dave and Emma have completed a great project, say "well done Bob, Colin, Dave and Emma", not "well done Bob and co", "Bob and others" or "Bob and team".

Regular 1-1’s with all team members, I had one member of a new team who was shocked to be asked because she’d never had one before.

I also always held them over a coffee offsite (paid myself).

Providing training to help staff progress/get promotion.

Always help out with grunt work.

Admit when your staff know better than you, ask their advice, then give them credit.

Deal with any incompetents/lazy fuckers, nothing causes more strife than someone needing covering.

Being open about your appreciation!

I recently left a job which I was pretty "meh" about, nothing terrible about it, nothing great or inspiring. When I announced I was leaving it came out that everyone from the CEO to the secretary was so pleased with me and my work, valuable contributions etc etc.

If I had remotely felt that whilst working there I might have stayed!

Give honest credit where it's due - I spent hours completing are report my manager didn't and couldn't do, and watched him claim it as his own work.

Don't micro manage, be flexible and be normal! A manager above me has just been sacked due to her incredible temper tantrums and screaming episodes, and extremely personal bullying. Don't let power go to your head!

The fact that you are looking for ways to raise morale etc. is a great positive, you sound lovely :)

1. Get your hands dirty. Join in teamwork when really necessary.
2. Set the tone by being kind, funny and open. Do not succumb to bitchery or the whole place will.
3. Shut up. When you know how the place works, and who works, not saying stuff is as important as giving instructions.
4. Keep an eye out for slackers and bullies. They're there. Yes, it is your job to deal with them.
5. Always be polite.

Thanking even when not “working hard” goes a long way too. The daily dull monotonous grind can be just as difficult (or even more so) than working like a maniac to hit a deadline.

That and a good box of biscuits on a Friday 😄

Yes, definitely biscuits ad lib

A few other things which might seem pretty small but make a big difference:

Make sure that everybody has a decent, comfortable chair.

Sit the people who complain of being hot near the air conditioning.

Check that the people who feel the cold don't have to sit in a freezing blast in the summer because everyone else wants the aircon on.

Ensure there is good access to copious quantities of staples, paper clips and subject dividers, and that everyone has a fully functioning stapler and hole punch. Basically give them what they need to do the job quickly and efficiently.

Don't skimp on cheapo tea bags.

Listen to minor grumbles and do something about them.

And never, ever use the phrase "I hear what you say......" followed by the dreaded silent but