Kind words most effective in showing employee appreciation: survey

Whether employees work on-site or remotely, they prefer their employers and colleagues show appreciation through kind words, according to a new survey by Appreciation at Work.

The survey, which polled 130,000 U.S. workers, found almost half (48 per cent) of on-site employees and more than a third (38 per cent) of remote workers preferred words of affirmation when it comes to showing appreciation in the workplace.

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The next most popular method of showing appreciation was quality time, which the survey defined as a manager or co-worker taking time to listen, spending time with co-workers or working collaboratively. It was preferred by 35 per cent of remote employees and 25 per cent of on-site workers. 

The survey also found 22 per cent of on-site employees and 19 per cent of remote workers prefer acts of service, while just seven per cent of remote employees and six per cent of on-site workers said they prefer tangible gifts.

“We have learned that to achieve effective communication of appreciation to remote colleagues, one must be more proactive than in face-to-face relationships,” said Paul White, president of Appreciation at Work, in a press release.

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